What is Cystography?

A cystography is a procedure that is also known as a cystogram or retrograde cystogram. This is a procedure in which a patient’s urinary bladder is examined for any problems with the tissues of the bladder. This examination can also take the form of a CT cystogram, where a contrasting dye is used to fill the bladder and then images taken.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

A cystogram test is conducted to check for any abnormalities in the urinary bladder.

• The most common use of this test is to check for urinary tract infections that might be progressing up the urethra and posing a danger to the ureters.
• The test is also used to check for problems like hematuria, bladder stones, tumors, fistulae, and diverticula.
• The test is also the gold standard to check for the reasons of versicoureteric reflux, a condition in which urine flows back into the kidneys causing infection and inflammation of the kidneys.

What takes place during the procedure?

The procedure should not take more than twenty minutes and involves moving a tube up the urethra and into the urinary bladder. When the tube reaches the urinary bladder, contrasting dye is sent through the tube into the bladder. This will expand the bladder to the point where the whole bladder can be seen in detail. At this point, some x-ray images will be obtained. The patient might feel the urge to urinate during the procedure.

There are no dietary restrictions after the procedure is completed.

How do I prepare for the exam?

The cystogram procedure requires that you first completely empty your bladder. This means that you will have to avoid diuretics and coffee before the test as they can interfere with the procedure. You will need to remove all clothing and be ready to feel some discomfort as a tube goes up your urinary tract into your bladder. You may need to have a urinary catheter inserted into your bladder if you do not have one already.