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Why
would you or your child need the Micturating Cystogram (MCU)?
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This
is for the assessment of the bladder, and the upper tracts (kidneys and
ureters). This is a common investigation in the child with recurrent
urinary infections. This may also be used in the baby with ambiguous
genitalia (uncommon condition).
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What are
the special preparations and precautions?
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There
are no special precautions, unless the patient is a child and is too young
to cooperate and or the patient requires antibiotic cover for the
examination. The necessary sedation and antibiotic cover will be arranged
by your doctor or the paediatrician for the child who is too young to
cooperate.
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What
is done?
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If
this is done after an operation, there is usually a urinary catheter
(fine tube passed through your urethra to help you pass urine)
already.
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Otherwise,
your doctor/paediatrician will insert one into the bladder through the
urethra. The Radiologist may be the one catheterising the
child/patient.
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After
this, iodine-containing contrast is instilled into the bladder until
it is “full”. The Radiologist will be able to see this, as
“x-rays” will be used to visualise the process of
contrast instillation.
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The
child/patient will be encouraged to pass urine and films (x-rays) of
the process of micturating (passing urine) are taken.
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Sometimes,
there is a need to look for the contrast in the kidneys if it refluxes
up (flows back) the ureters.
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The
catheter is removed during the process of passing urine so that the
urethra can be outlined in contrast.
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Are there
any side effects or complications?
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Some of the
following may occur but are usually transient and will settle on
it’s own. Please continue to take any antibiotics prescribed by your
doctor/paediatrician as this will help to prevent any infection.
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Irritation
of the bladder from the contrast media. (usually transient)
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Infection
and inflammation (this can be treated or prevented with judicious use
of antibiotics)
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Other
reactions to the contrast media. (Please see contrast media FAQ)
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Local
trauma at the urethra and reluctance or difficult passing urine.
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Minor
bleeding from trauma.
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What
do I do after the MCU?
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Encourage
the child to drink plenty of fluids.
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If
the child is afraid to pass urine because of some pain at the site of
the urethra, allow the child to sit in a warm water bath and pass
urine while submerged in the warm water.
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There
may be some blood in the urine but this should clear. Should the
child/patient be unable to pass urine or have severe pain, please
consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Your
doctor may have further instructions depending on your condition.
This
may include antibiotics for a few more days.
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Copyright © 2001-2008 College of Radiology, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia
All Rights Reserved
Terms
of Use Last
Updated:
Thursday, 21 August, 2003
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