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Voiding cystourethrogram (MCUG / VCUG)
Category: Imaging & Scans · All imaging & scans
What it is
A voiding cystourethrogram is an X-ray study of the bladder and urethra: contrast dye is passed into the bladder through a small catheter, and X-ray pictures are taken while the bladder fills and while it empties (voiding). It shows whether urine flows backwards towards the kidneys (vesicoureteric reflux) and whether the outflow is normal.
Why it is done
It is used mainly in children after urinary infections — especially boys, babies and atypical infections — to detect reflux and bladder outlet problems such as posterior urethral valves, and in some adults for urethral and bladder problems.
How to prepare
A urine sample must show no infection first — the test is postponed and the infection treated if positive. Some children are given an antibiotic around the test. Tell the team about allergies to contrast and any previous catheter difficulty.
What happens during the procedure
A small catheter is passed into the bladder through the urethra (numbing gel helps; in young children a parent or carer stays close, and sedation is occasionally used). Contrast fills the bladder while pictures are taken; older children then pass urine on the table into a bottle or pad while final pictures are taken. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Afterwards — recovery & results
Children can usually go home afterwards; they may have mild stinging when passing urine for a day — encourage fluids. Results are reported to the referring paediatric or urology team, who explain the reflux grade (if any) and the management plan (often monitoring and infection prevention rather than surgery nowadays).
Risks & considerations
Risks include discomfort and distress from catheterisation, urinary infection after the test (reduced by screening and antibiotics), and a small radiation dose. The information about reflux directly guides how infections are prevented and followed up.
Watch: Voiding cystourethrogram (MCUG / VCUG) videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Why does reflux matter?
Backflow of urine towards the kidneys can carry bacteria up during infections, risking kidney scarring in young children. Finding it changes the follow-up and prevention plan.
Will my child need surgery if reflux is found?
Most reflux resolves as the child grows. Management is usually watchful waiting with prompt treatment of infections and sometimes preventive antibiotics; surgery is reserved for selected cases.
Related procedures — Imaging & Scans
Browse the V section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.