What is a voiding cystourethrogram (VCU)?

A VCU (voiding cystourethrogram) is an exam in which x-ray dye is placed into the bladder, to allow the doctor to see the urethra, bladder and ureters.

• A VCU allows the doctor to see how much the bladder can hold, and if it empties properly.
• A VCU shows if and when any dye flows up the ureters to the kidneys, which is called "reflux".

What is the urethra?

• The urethra is a soft tube leading from the bladder to the outside of the body to empty the urine.

What is the bladder?

• The bladder is the pouch in the lower abdomen that holds the urine. It connects to the urethra and ureters.

What are ureters?

• Ureters are soft long tubes that connect on each side of the bladder and attach to each kidney. These tubes take the urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

   

What are the kidneys?

• Kidneys are "bean shaped" organs in the body that make urine.

Why does my child need a VCU?

• Reflux-- the flow of urine from the bladder into the kidneys. This can be seen with infections or cause poor kidney growth.
• Frequent urine infections--  these may also be seen with "reflux".
• Congenital defects-- problems or abnormalities that a child is born with that are causing urinary problems.

Where will the VCU be performed?

• It is performed in the Radiology Department.

Who will perform the VCU?

• One of our specially trained Pediatric Radiologists.

What can I expect before the VCU?

• You will be seen by one of our nurses, who will obtain a health history, perform a brief physical exam, explain the procedure and answer your questions.
• Your child may or may not receive medication to help relax them.
• This will be a decision made by you after you have received the information on the risks and side effects of the medication.
• If your child receives medication, the heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen level will be monitored.
• When your child is ready for the exam, he/she will be taken to an x-ray room.

What can I expect during the cystourethrogram?

• You will be allowed to stay with your child to provide comfort.
• Your child will lie down on the x-ray table. An x-ray "picture" will be taken of the bladder.
• A numbing jelly will be placed on the opening of the urethra before and after the area is cleaned. This will help numb the opening and make the exam more comfortable for the child.
• The urethral area will be cleaned with special soap, and then a small soft tube (catheter) will be placed through the urethra into the bladder.
• An x-ray dye will be put into the catheter to help the doctor see your child's urinary organs.
• After the bladder is filled, the doctor will allow the child to urinate. X-ray pictures will be taken while your child urinates and after urination.

   

What can I expect after the VCU?

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• If your child did not receive any medication, he/she will be discharged to go home or will return to the hospital room.
• If your child received medication, he/she will be observed in our holding area for 2 to 3 hours until your child is awake and drinking fluids.
• Some burning with urination and/or pink colored urine may occur-- this is normal and should pass by the next morning.
• Your child needs to drink plenty of fluids (without caffeine) for the next few days. This will help decrease the amount of burning your child might have.
• Additional discharge instructions will be given to you at the time of discharge.

What are the risks of having a VCU?

• Infection in the urinary system.
• Injury to the urethra from catheter insertion.
• Reaction to the x-ray dye.

What are the benefits of having a VCU?

• To help the doctor see what is causing your child's problems with his/her urinary system.