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Procedure:

• You have been referred for a Renal Cystogram in which imaging is done of your urinary system.

• A Renal Cystogram is very sensitive in showing vesico-ureteric reflux and the extent of this reflux.

• The test involves catheterisation into the bladder and the introduction of a small amount of "tracer" along with a certain amount of saline.

• The tracer we use is called 99mTc-DTPA (99m-Technetium diethylene-triamine-penta-acetic acid).

• We use local anesthetic to minimise the discomfort of the catheterisation and fill the bladder with saline.

• We use a Gamma Camera (1) to image your bladder, ureters and kidneys.

• You are required to lie on your back whilst images are continuously taken of your bladder filling up. This can take up to 3 minutes.

• You will then be asked to void whilst the Gamma Camera continuously images your bladder emptying. This takes 1 - 2 minutes.

• A final image is done of your bladder and kidneys after you have voided. This takes 1 minute.

• You receive a slight radiation dose by having a Renal Cystogram ~ up to 0.025 times your yearly background radiation (2).

 

Patient Preparation:

• If you are pregnant, trying to fall pregnant or breast feeding, you must inform our staff.

• If you have had prior imaging e.g. PET, Nuclear Scan, CT, MRI, X-Ray, Ultrasound, etc... please bring these with you.

• Please also bring your referral and any blood results that you may have had done.

• There is no preparation for a Renal Cystogram i.e. eat and drink as normal.

• If you are on any medications, please take these as normal.

• Wear comfortable clothing and minimise the amount of metal jewellery you have on (all metal objects will need to be removed prior to imaging).

• Important Note: You cannot have this test if you have had a PET or Nuclear Scan within 24 hours prior to this test. If you have had Iodine-131 therapy, allow 4-weeks before having this test. Please ring to discuss booking options.​

 

Breast-Feeding Mothers: Once you have been given the tracer, you need to stop breast-feeding for one feed. During this time, you need to express and discard your breast milk. You will need to bottle-feed your child during this period.

 

⁽¹⁾ A Gamma Camera is a device that detects gamma-rays (gamma-rays are very similar to x-rays) and does not emit any radiation.

⁽²⁾ We all receive a yearly background radiation dose ~ 2.4mSv. Renal Cystogram ~ 0.06mSv = 0.025 times yearly background dose.