What is this Test?

• A micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) is a special x-ray test that outlines the bladder, the tube leading from the bladder (urethra) and the tubes leading from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters). It is used to diagnose cause of urinary tract infections. It is also used to show up any abnormalities in child’s urinary system.

When is it indicated?

• Most children need an MCUG becasuse they have had one or more urinary tract infections (for example cystitis or kidney infections). Urine infections can be a sign that there is something wrong with the kidneys or bladder. The MCUG will look to see if there is a reason why child has had an infection such as reflux of the kidneys.Sometimes an MCUG is needed because an ultrasound scan has shown a problem such as swelling of one or both kidneys..

When it should be done?

• The test is carried out in children/babies with recurrent urine infections after making sure the urine infection has been treated or at the age of 6 – 8 weeks in babies born with abnormalities of the kidney tract. However in babies with obstruction at the bottom of the urinary bladder this test could be carried out sooner. Your doctor will communicate you the optimal time, based upon urgency of situation.

Are there other alternative methods of treatment?

• There are alternative treatments for detecting problems with your child / baby’s bladder or tubes but these are not as efficient as an MCU.

What all I need to know before and after  my child Test?

• Child will be given a course of antibiotics following the test. If he is  already taking antibiotics every day the dose will probably be altered for those three days. He  should also be given regular pain relief e.g. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for the next 24 hours after MCU to help keep him comfortable.Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids. You can stay in the room with the child during the procedure and child can eat and drink normally before and after test.

How is the test done?

• The child will have a catheter (a fine tube) inserted into the urethra. This  may cause slight discomfort to the child,but it is rarely painful. The  child’s bladder will then be filled with a special liquid (dye). The liquid shows up clearly on the x-ray pictures. X-rays are taken as the liquid fills the bladder and again as the bladder empties. Then the catheter is removed and more pictures may be taken. The  child’s position will be changed during the procedure to allow different x-ray pictures to be taken. Once the child  have passed urine you  will be allowed to go home

Risks

• Your child might feel some discomfort whilst the catheter is being inserted, however this should soon pass. There is a risk that during catheterisation infection may be introduced into the bladder. In order to prevent this, your baby / child should be given antibiotics as mentioned earlier. Sometimes your baby / child may pass blood in the urine (haematuria) because of injury to the lining of the urethra.

Remarks

• For more details of Test, contact your surgeon/Radiologist.

Related Photographs and videos

• Few photographs of steps done by me is given here for learning purposes