Micturating cysto-urethrogram

Duration of examination

The examination takes up to 30 minutes.

Please bring with you:

• Your request form
• Medicare and any
• Healthcare cards

Payment on the day of the examination is requested.

What is a Micturating Cysto-Urethrogram?

A Micturating Cysto-Urethrogram or MCU is a special type of x‑ray examination which assesses the anatomy and function of the bladder, urethra and ureters. They are visualised with the use of radio-opaque contrast. MCUs require specialised fluoroscopic x‑ray equipment and are therefore not performed at all of our branches.

Patient preparation

No specific preparation is required. You must, however, advise the staff of any known allergies.

Patients should also discuss with staff prior to the examination any urinary tract infection they may have. In some cases a renal ultrasound will also be requested. For these patients the drinking of 500mls of fluid one hour prior to appointment time is required.

What will happen during the examination?

The patient will be asked to change into a gown and then lie on their back on the examination table. The doctor or nurse will wash the patient’s groin region with antiseptic solution and place towels around this area. Local anaesthetic gel may also be used.

A small soft catheter coated with lubricant is inserted into the urethra by a nurse or the radiologist (specialist medical imaging doctor), so that the tip of the catheter is in the bladder. The catheter is then taped in place. This can feel uncomfortable but should not hurt. It may however be upsetting for small children.

It is important the patient keeps still when the x‑rays are being taken. Babies and small children may need to be held firmly. Children are often happier if one of their parents can stay with them in the room. We ask parents to hold the child’s hands above their heads. If there is a chance the mother is pregnant, she will need to remain outside the room, and an alternative person will need to attend to hold the child. A radiographer will hold the patient’s legs.

The contrast free flows into the bladder via the catheter. The flow of contrast is monitored with fluoroscopy and x‑rays.

When the bladder is filled, patient (if compliant) will be asked to pass urine into a dish or bottle while the doctor takes x‑rays to record the flow of the urine. It is important the patient passes the urine while lying on the x‑ray table, for the test to be successful.

The filling and emptying of the bladder may be repeated during the examination. The catheter will expel itself during urination.

At the end of the procedure the patient is cleaned and allowed to dress.

Are there any risks?

Patients will receive a small dose of x‑ray radiation. The benefits of detecting disease are believed to outweigh the potential risks from receiving such a dose.

There is an extremely small risk of allergy to the contrast used or for other complications to occur after the MCU. All contrast passes out of the body very quickly in the urine.

After the examination

Bladder catheterisation may occasionally result in some irritation to the urethra. This may cause a short period of minor discomfort and/​or a burning sensation when first urinating. This is quite normal. For 24 hours after the examination we encourage patients to drink plenty of fluids so as to flush the bladder.

Although we take every precaution to ensure sterile technique is observed during the procedure, there is a small risk of infection occurring. If a sensation of burning when urinating, discomfort or increased need to urinate is experienced for longer than 24 hours after your examination, it is important you consult your GP.

A post-procedure sheet will be given to you following the procedure.

The images will be reviewed and reported by our radiologist. These will then be sent to your referring clinician. For details on reporting timeframes, please speak with our reception staff. It is important that you follow up the results of your examination with your referring clinician.

It is important you understand why and how we will be assisting you. If you have any questions, please call one of our clinics or speak to our staff on the day of your visit.