What is a cystography?

A cystography is a special X-ray test that helps your doctor examine your bladder. It uses X-rays to take pictures or even a short video (called a fluoroscopy) of your bladder.

For the test, a doctor inserts a thin tube called a urinary catheter into your bladder and fills it with a special liquid called a contrast dye. This dye helps your doctor get a clearer image of your bladder on the X-ray. The doctor then takes X-rays of your bladder.

Sometimes, cystography is done alongside other tests. For example, cystourethrography takes pictures of both the bladder and the urethra. Your doctor might also use fluoroscopy to watch how your bladder empties when you urinate, which is called voiding cystourethrography.

This can show if urine is flowing backwards into your kidneys, a condition known as vesicoureteral reflux. A CT cystography is another type of this test, often used after an injury or surgery.

X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create images of bones and internal organs. While they are most commonly used for bone fractures or lung issues, cystography is a specific type of X-ray that focuses on the bladder.

Why would I need a cystography?

You might need a cystography if you are experiencing certain symptoms or conditions related to your urinary system. This test can help your doctor figure out the cause of issues such as:

Blood in your urine (hematuria)
Frequent urinary tract infections
Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
Urinary reflux, which is when urine flows backwards from the bladder into the tubes (ureters) that connect to the kidneys
Involuntary urine leakage (urinary incontinence)

You might also be given a cystography for other reasons, including:

To check for a tear in your bladder after a physical injury.
To look for blockages or narrowing in your ureters or urethra.
Examining the nerves that connect your spine to your bladder can be a concern before or after some spine surgeries.

Your doctor may have other reasons for suggesting a cystography, which they will discuss with you.

What are the risks of a cystography?

It is important to talk with your doctor about the risks associated with this test. You can ask about the amount of radiation used and how those risks relate to your personal health.

Keeping a list of all your X-rays is a good idea, as the risks of radiation exposure can be related to the total number of scans you've had over time. Make sure to share this list with your doctor.

You should also inform your doctor if:

You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, as radiation exposure can be harmful to a developing baby.
You have allergies or sensitivities to medications, contrast dyes, local anesthetics, iodine, or latex.
You have kidney problems or kidney failure, which can be affected by the contrast dye.

A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into your bladder during the test. This can increase your risk of getting a bladder infection or cause some temporary bleeding or pain when you urinate.

Certain things can also make the test results less accurate, such as:

Air or stool in your intestines.
Barium in your intestines from a recent test like a barium enema.

You may not be able to have a cystography if you:

Have an active urinary tract infection.
Are pregnant.
Are allergic to contrast dyes.

Discuss any health concerns you have with your healthcare provider before the procedure.

How do i prepare for a cystography?

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you in detail. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you have.

You may be asked to sign a consent form permitting you to take the test. Read it carefully and ask for clarification if anything is unclear.

You might be told to stop eating and drinking for a certain period before the test. Usually, this means no food after midnight and only clear liquids on the day of the test. You may also be instructed to drink extra fluids the day before the test.

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if any of the following apply to you:

You are pregnant or might be pregnant.
You have had a reaction to any contrast dye in the past or are allergic to iodine.
You are sensitive or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, or anesthetic drugs.
You are taking any medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal supplements.
You take the diabetes medication metformin. You might be told to stop taking it before the scan.
You are breastfeeding. If a contrast dye is used, you should talk to the radiologist about when it's safe to resume breastfeeding.
If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin, you might need to stop them before the test.
You have kidney disease.

Your doctor might also have you take a laxative the night before the test or give you an enema to clear your bowels on the morning of the procedure.

Always follow any specific instructions your doctor gives you.

What happens during a cystography?

A cystography can be performed as an outpatient procedure or while you are staying in the hospital. The exact steps can vary depending on your situation and your doctor's approach.

In general, the test follows these steps:

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove any jewelry or other items that could interfere with the X-ray images.
You will be asked to empty your bladder before the test begins.
You will lie on your back on the X-ray table.
A healthcare provider will carefully insert a thin tube (catheter) into your bladder.
They will take an initial X-ray of your kidneys, ureters, and bladder to ensure they can get a good view of the urinary system. A lead shield may be placed over the testes for male patients to protect them from X-rays.
The doctor will then inject the contrast dye into your bladder through the catheter, clamping the tubing to keep the dye in your bladder.
X-rays will be taken before and after the dye is injected. You may be asked to change your position so the doctor can take pictures from different angles.
If you are having a voiding cystography, the catheter will be removed, and you will be asked to urinate. The doctor will take X-ray or fluoroscopy pictures while you are urinating. You might be allowed to sit or stand up if you can't urinate while lying down.
If you do not have voiding cystography, the catheter will be removed once all the X-rays are completed.

Benefits of a cystography

Cystography is a valuable test that helps doctors understand bladder problems and plan treatment effectively. Some key benefits include:

Gives clear and detailed images of the bladder.
Detects bladder injuries, leaks, or blockages.
Identifies vesicoureteral reflux (urine flowing backward to kidneys).
Helps find the cause of blood in urine, repeated UTIs, or difficulty urinating.
Checks healing of the bladder after surgery or trauma.
Provides important guidance for treatment or surgery.
Safe and minimally invasive compared to surgical methods.

Results of a cystography

The results are interpreted by a radiologist and shared with your doctor. Depending on the findings:

Normal results: Healthy bladder without tears, leaks, or reflux.
Abnormal results: May show injuries, fistulas, reflux, tumors, or blockages.
Treatment guidance: Results help doctors decide on the best treatment, such as medicines, surgery, or lifestyle changes.

What happens after a cystography?

After a cystography, you can usually resume your normal diet and activities unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

You will be advised to drink extra fluids for a day or two after the test. This helps your body flush out the contrast dye and can help prevent a bladder infection.

It's normal to have some mild pain when you urinate or to see a pink color in your urine for a day or two.

You should contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these symptoms:

Your urination pain gets worse or lasts longer than two days.
You develop a fever or chills.
You have pain in your abdomen.
You see blood in your urine that is not just a pink color.
You are urinating less than usual.

Your doctor will give you any additional instructions based on your specific health situation.

What are the next steps to take?

Before you agree to the test or procedure, make sure you have a clear understanding of the following:

The name of the test and what it's for.
The reasons for the test and what results you can expect.
The potential risks and benefits.
Any possible side effects or complications.
When and where the test will take place.
Who will perform the test and their qualifications.
What other options you have besides this test.
When and how you will get the results.
Who you should contact if you have questions or problems after the test.
How much the test will cost.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Cystography in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Cystography in Lucknow, India. Our expert urologists use advanced tools to give accurate results, quick diagnosis, and better long-term care. We offer the best evaluation and treatment support with effective and affordable pricing, making the Cystography cost suitable for patients seeking high-quality urology care in Lucknow, India.