Cystography

Cystography Treatment Abroad

Overview

Cystography is an X-ray examination (imaging test) that allows the doctor to visualize the urinary bladder, its contours, identify its discharge capacity status, and functionality status. The procedure reveals the presence of tumors, bladder calculi or polyps, or the existence of a urine reflux towards the kidneys during urination. Thus, this test helps the doctor identify and diagnose problems in the patient's bladder.

Types of Cystography

Intravenous Radionuclide Voiding Cystography (IRVC): it is performed by opacifying the bladder - the doctor injects the contrast dye using a single intravenous injection. The dye is removed by the kidneys through urine, therefore opacifying the urinary tracts. The X-ray film is carried out before, during and after micturition in order to assess the condition of the urethra and possibly detect a post-urination residue in the bladder. This procedure allows the doctor to study the vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The test can lead to an intolerance reaction to iodine, which can be avoided in sensitive patients by a preventive, anti-allergic treatment.

Retrograde Cystography: during this procedure, the contrast dye is injected into the bladder through a probe inserted through the suprapubic wall (suprapubic catheterization performed under local anesthesia) or in the urethra. The X-ray film is carried out is performed before, during, and after urination. The risk of infection is reduced by a strict asepsis and antibiotics.

Reasons Why You Might Need a Cystography

The most common reasons patients are recommended to undergo a cystography include:

• Urinary reflux
• Blockage in the urethra or ureters
• Bladder trauma
• Hematuria (blood in the patient's urine)
• Urinary tract infections
• Difficulties emptying the bladder
• Urinary incontinence
• Trauma of the urethra or ureters

Causes of Urinary Problems

The causes of urinary problems are numerous and include:

• Interstitial cystitis
• Diuretics and other medications
• Radiation therapy
• Neurologic conditions
• Consumption of alcohol, caffeine or spicy foods
• Bladder conditions and dysfunction
• Bladder stones
• Bladder irritation
• Bladder cancer
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary system blockages
• Urinary tract obstructions
• Prostate gland benign enlargement
• Prostate cancer
• Constipation

How Cystography is Performed

Usually, a cystography follows the following process:

• The patient will remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that might get in the way of the test and will be given a gown to wear.
• The patient will be asked to empty his/her bladder before the test.
• The patient will lie on his/her back on the X-ray table.
• The doctor will put a catheter (a thin tube) into the patient's bladder. The catheter is used to inject the contrast dye into the bladder.
• The doctor will take an X-ray of the KUB (kidney, ureter, and bladder) to make sure he or she can see the urinary system.
• The doctor will inject the contrast dye into the patient's bladder through the catheter.
• The doctor will take X-rays while the dye is injected and afterward. The patient may be asked to change position for different X-ray views of the urinary system.
• During a voiding cystography, the doctor will remove the catheter and the patient will be asked to urinate. The doctor will take X-ray or fluoroscopy films while the patient urinates.
• If the patient isn't undergoing a voiding cystography, the doctor will remove the catheter after all the X-ray views have been taken.

Benefits of Cystography

• No radiation remains in the patient's body.
• X-rays usually have no side effects.
• Helps the doctor to make a correct diagnosis or decision about the patient's treatment.
• Helps determine the cause of repeated urinary tract infections or urinary incontinence.
• Can look for structural problems of the bladder or if there has been an injury to the bladder.

Finding Doctors for Cystography

Cystography is performed by a urologist, a doctor specialized in branches of surgery to the kidneys, bladder, or urethra, male reproductive organs or pelvic surgery. Choose a doctor who has undergone basic and comprehensive education in general surgery, who then undergoes additional training in urology. The specialist should be approved to practice in accredited healthcare facilities or hospitals.

If you want to find out more about the Cystography procedure, please contact us!