Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)
What is a voiding cystourethrogram?
A voiding cystourethrogram is a test that uses x-rays to
take pictures of the urinary system. It shows how well the
bladder and its connecting tubes (called the urethra and the
ureters) are working.
What happens during the test?
Your child will have one x-ray film taken of the abdominal
(belly) area. This is called a scout film. Then, a small
urinary catheter, much like a rubber tube, will be inserted
into the bladder. It is inserted through the penis in
males and through the urethra in females.
After insertion, the tube is used to fill your child's
bladder with contrast material (a clear liquid). More x-ray
pictures are taken during this time and viewed on a
television screen by the radiologist. When the bladder is
full, your child will be asked to urinate and pictures will
be taken of the emptying process. The catheter tube will
then be removed.
The radiologist may allow you to stay during this procedure
if you wish to provide comfort to your child. The use of
diversional toys (such as books and bubbles) can help your
child relax during the insertion of the catheter. Also, if
the procedure has been explained to your child with age-
appropriate teaching tools (such as books, demonstration, or
use of dolls), he or she may be less afraid and respond more
positively.
What happens after the test?
After the test, your child may return to normal daily
activities.
Your child's urine may be pink colored the first time he or
she urinates after the catheter tube is removed. Your child
may even cry and complain of pressure with the first
urination. This is caused by a small amount of blood in the
urine. If these symptoms persist or if your child cannot
urinate, call your child's doctor. Usually by drinking a
couple of large glasses of water or other clear liquids
(juices rather than carbonated drinks) the child can urinate
without a problem. If the child complains of a mild
burning, place him or her in a bathtub of warm, plain water
to urinate.
When should I call my child's doctor?
Call your child's doctor IMMEDIATELY if:
- Your child complains of severe abdominal pain.
- Your child has a fever over 101 degrees F (38 degrees C)
rectally.
- Your child's urine is bright red.
- Your child has not urinated 4 hours after the catheter
was removed.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- Your child continues to complain of burning with
urination 24 hours after the procedure.
- Your child continues to have pink-tinged urine.
- You have any questions about the procedure or the
results.
|