Vcug (Voiding Cystourethrogram)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Discharge
• Inpatient
• Precare
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

A VCUG is an x-ray of your bladder and urethra while you urinate.

HOW TO PREPARE:

The week before your procedure:

• Write down the correct date, time, and location of your procedure.
• Arrange a ride home. Ask a family member or friend to drive you home after your surgery or procedure. Do not drive yourself home.
• Ask your healthcare provider if you need to stop using aspirin or any other prescribed or over-the-counter medicine before your procedure.
• Bring your medicine bottles or a list of your medicines when you see your healthcare provider. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Tell your provider if you use any herbs, food supplements, or over-the-counter medicine.
• Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of the procedure.
• You will be given contrast liquid before the x-rays are taken to help your provider see your urinary tract better. Tell him or her if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.

The night before your procedure:

You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.

The day of your procedure:

• You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
• Take only the medicines your healthcare provider told you to take.
• An IV will be put into a vein. You may be given liquids or medicine through the IV.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN:

What will happen:

You will lie down on a table and an x-ray will be taken before the procedure. Your healthcare provider will lubricate and gently insert a catheter into your bladder. Contrast liquid will be put through the catheter into your bladder so it shows up clearly on the monitor. X-rays will be taken at different angles while your bladder is full of contrast liquid. The catheter will be removed so you can urinate. More x-rays will be taken while you urinate and once your bladder is completely empty.

After your procedure:

You will be able to go home.

CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:

• You have a fever.
• You get a cold or the flu.
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure.

Risks

You may bleed or get an infection. You may have some discomfort when you urinate after the procedure. Your bladder may be injured during the procedure.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

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