Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
We have given you this factsheet because you have an appointment for a radiology investigation of the bladder and urinary tract. Please make sure you read this information and follow the instructions carefully before your procedure. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
The investigation uses fluoroscopy to examine the bladder and/or urinary tract using contrast dye which are liquids which are visible on X-ray. Fluoroscopy is a process that uses X-rays to produce a real time moving image on a television monitor.
Examples includes investigations such as a cystogram (examination of the bladder), urethrogram (examination of the urethra) or a micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) an examination in children to look at the bladder and urethra.
Before your appointment
Children undergoing a MCUG
Your child will need to be on a treatment course of antibiotics for this procedure. Your hospital consultant should prescribe antibiotics to cover this procedure. If they do not, please contact them directly via their secretary.
Adults
There is no preparation required for this examination.
Please let us know if:
- there is any possibility that you may be pregnant. All patients from 12-55 years of age (regardless of gender) who will undergo a Radiology procedure will be asked about the possibility of them being pregnant.
- you have limited mobility and / or requiring a hoist
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
In order to make your appointment run more smoothly, please let us know if any of these apply, in advance, by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On the day of procedure
Eating and Drinking – you can eat and drink as normal. No special diet or restrictions
required.
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
The Radiology / X-Ray Department is located on the ground floor of the hospital. You should follow the directions from the main hospital entrance. On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist. Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area. Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you.
The Examination
Your procedure will be performed by a radiologist who will be working with a radiographer.
Once called, you may be asked to change into a gown. To visualise the urethra and bladder, a small tube (catheter) will be inserted into the bladder if not already in place. Through this, contrast media (dye) will be passed, to fill the bladder. Images will then be taken at various intervals until the bladder is emptied.
When we have completed taking images, any tubes will be removed as necessary. If
required, we will then show you to the toilet. You may spend as long as you like in the toilet, until you feel more comfortable. You will then be able to get dressed.
The procedure takes around 30 minutes, but please expect to be with us for an hour or so in total.
After the Examination
After the examination is completed you will be free to resume your daily activities. It is important the child completes the full course of antibiotics.
Results
The results of the examination will be sent to the consultant or specialist screening
practitioner who referred you. This can take up to 4 weeks.
Risks
-
X-rays are a type of radiation. We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day from the sun, food we eat, and the ground. Exposure to medical X-rays carries a small additional risk, but your doctor feels that this risk is outweighed by the benefits of having the test and the amount of radiation you will receive is kept to as low as reasonably possible.
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The introduction of a catheter into the bladder can be a risk factor for developing a urinary infection. The procedure is performed in a sterile way to minimise the risks and children are required to be on prophylactic antibiotics to be able to perform the procedure. If you or child develops symptoms of a urinary tract infection please see your GP or hospital doctor to arrange for a sample of urine to be obtained and antibiotics if required.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-IR.6
Approval date:
20 March 2025
Review date:
20 March 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.