ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Retrograde cystography

Definition

Retrograde cystography is a detailed x-ray examination of the bladder, in which contrast dye is placed into the bladder through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Alternative Names

Why the Test is Performed

• To examine the bladder for problems such as holes or tears
• To verify the existence of:
  • Diverticula
  • Stones
  • Tumors
  • Vesicoureteric reflux
  • Bladder fistulae (abnormal connections between tissues)
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Rupture
• To determine the cause of recurring infections

How the Test is Performed

You will lie down on the table. A a flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into your bladder after an anesthetic jelly has been applied. The contrast dye flows through the catheter until your bladder is full. Inform the technician when your bladder feels full.

When the bladder is full, you are placed in different positions for various x-ray pictures of the full bladder. After the catheter is removed and you have been given the opportunity to urinate, one more x-ray is taken to see how well the bladder has emptied. The total test time is about 30 - 60 minutes.

How to Prepare for the Test

You must sign an informed consent form. You must empty your bladder before the test. A medical history will be taken to determine if you may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye, or if there is a current infection that could make the catheter insertion difficult.

How the Test Will Feel

When the catheter is inserted, there may be some pressure along the urethra. When the dye first begins to enter the bladder, an urge to urinate occurs. The technologist will stop the flow when the pressure becomes uncomfortable. The urge to urinate will continue throughout the test.

After the test, the urethra may be tender during urination.

Risks

There is some risk of infection from the catheter. Symptoms may include:

• Burning during urination (after the first day)
• Chills
• Fever
• Increased heart rate
• Increased breathing rate
• Decreased blood pressure (hypotension)

Considerations

In males, testicles are shielded from the x-rays.

This test is not performed very often any more. More frequently, voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or cystoscopy are performed.

Normal Results

The bladder should be normal in:

• Shape
• Size
• Texture
• Contour
• Capacity
• Integrity
• Urethrovesical angle

What Abnormal Results Mean

• Diverticula
• Lesions
• Calculi (bladder stones)
• Blood clots
• Vesicoureteric reflux
• Infection or inflammation