What is a voiding Cystourethrography used for?

A VCUG, or a voiding cystourethrogram, is a minimally invasive test that uses a special x-ray technology called fluoroscopy to visualize your child’s urinary tract and bladder. A VCUG can help: diagnose vesicoureteral reflux, a condition in which urine flows the wrong way, from the bladder back up to the kidneys.

How is voiding Cystourethrography performed?

Your bladder is visualized using a fluoroscope (camera) as it fills. After it fills the catheter is removed and you’ll be asked to urinate. You may be asked to stand during urination. You’ll be given a bedpan or urinal because imaging continues during urination to image the urethra and to assess for reflux.

Is MCUG test painful?

This does not hurt but it may be a little uncomfortable just while to tube goes in (this usually takes less than a minute). If your child usually has a urinary catheter in place, we will use this for the scan.

What drugs promote secretion of urine?

Diuretics are used to induce urine output in acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and to treat edema and hypertension. They increase urine excretion by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption at different sites in the nephron.

When is MCU test done?

MCU is done when we suspect a malfunction in the bladder, like a reverse flow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys, in outflow urinary passage like stricture, (or) anatomical defects like bladder diverticulum, urinary fistulas, etc.

Is MCUG safe for infants?

A MCUG uses a small amount of radiation and is considered safe. However, your doctor will carefully consider the risks and benefits of doing the test for your child. Your baby or child may feel some discomfort or pain when passing urine after the test or need to go to the toilet more often.

How should I prepare for MCUG?

Your child must be on antibiotics before this examination to minimise the slight risk of urinary tract infection that is associated with the procedure. Your child should be on antibiotics for one whole day before the test, the day of the test and one whole day after the test (three days in total).

What happens if urine backs up into the kidneys?

Vesicoureteral reflux happens when urine flows backward through the ureter from the bladder up into the kidney. Typically, urine flows only one way in the ureter. Urine flowing the wrong way makes it difficult for the kidney to empty properly and causes the kidney to swell.