A cystogram is an x-ray study of the urinary bladder.

During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the bladder and is used to place an x-ray dye into the bladder. The dye allows the bladder to be viewed under an x-ray fluoroscope. A Hurley radiologist will interpret the report and send the results to your doctor, and your doctor will discuss the results with you.

If you are a woman of childbearing age and think you may pregnant, tell your doctor or the technologist prior to the test.

During the procedure:

There are no special preparation requirements or restrictions for this exam. The technologist will take a preliminary x-ray of the abdomen. A nurse in the radiology department will then place a catheter into the bladder, after which the radiologist will use the x-ray fluoroscope to supervise the flow of x-ray dye into the bladder. Once the bladder is full, x-rays will taken. You may be asked to move from side to side so all parts of the bladder may be seen.

During the procedure:

After the fluoroscopy procedure is completed, the catheter will be removed. You may then be asked to urinate in a basin or urinal, while still on the table, so the radiologist can see all the structures. If you are unable to urinate in a basin or urinal in the procedure room, you will empty your bladder in the bathroom. Another x-ray will be taken once the bladder is empty, at which point the exam is done. Once the x-rays have been reviewed by the radiologist, you may leave.