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What is Voiding Cystourethrography – Urination X-ray (VCUG)?

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), also known as “voiding X-ray”, is a radiological examination method that displays the bladder and urinary tract in children with frequent urinary system infections. For examination, a thin plastic catheter is sterilely inserted into the bladder through the external urethra, the bladder is filled with contrast material. Meanwhile, the examining physician takes various X-rays while the bladder is full and during urination. During this time, the patient must be immobile. Children under the age of 4-5 may need to be kept by their relatives as they will not stay still by themselves in the X-ray machine. At the same time, two family members should be present during the examination so that the child feels safe and more comfortable. With this examination, it is investigated whether there is a congenital disease in the bladder, whether there is an escape from the bladder to the upper urinary tract, and whether there is a stenosis in the urinary tract after the bladder in boys. The child’s clothing in the abdominal area should not contain metal buttons or zippers.

Inserting a catheter and filling the bladder with contrast is not a painful procedure. The process, which normally takes 20-30 minutes, may take longer depending on the willingness of the children. If the child does not urinate despite waiting for 30 minutes even though the bladder is full, the examination is terminated by talking to the patient’s physician. In the meantime, it is very important for families to assist the physician and X-ray technician who conducts the examination. The lubricating gel applied on the catheter may cause a slight burning sensation at the beginning and during urination but this is temporary. The examination is definitely not a painful procedure. Generally, children do not like to lie on the table and have their arms and legs held. Because of this small children may cry and fear.

What Will My Child Experience During the Examination?

The examination is painless, but children may be frightened as they are restrained from moving. Before the catheter is inserted, the child’s genital area is wiped with a sterile, antiseptic, colored liquid for cleaning. Inserting the catheter and filling the bladder with contrast material is not painful, but some children may experience discomfort. Several X-rays are taken while the bladder is full. Then, the child is allowed to pee while lying on the table, and during this time, X-rays are taken. During this procedure, the patient should be as still as possible.

Is Radiation Received During the Procedure Harmful?

The amount of radiation the child receives during the voiding film is extremely low. It is equal to the radiation dose received from nature in approximately 3-6 months. X-ray devices used in the procedure are low-dose instruments and the procedure is performed under the control of a physician-technical health staff.

Situations Where Examination Cannot Be Performed

The examination is not performed in the presence of external genital organs and urinary tract anomalies that prevent catheterization, and in active urinary tract infections. Scoliosis X-ray can be easily performed with an X-ray device.