Voiding cystourethrogram

One method of examining bladder function is by injecting dye that is visible on x-rays through a tube (catheter) to fill the bladder. X-rays are taken while the bladder is full and while the patient is urinating (voiding) to determine if fluid is forced out of the bladder through the urethra (normal) or up through the ureters into the kidney (vesicoureteral reflux). This study is usually done with the patient is lying on an x-ray table.

Review Date: 04/13/2006
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team. Previously reviewed by Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/22/2004).