What is an MCU ?
MCU (micturating cysto-ureterogram) is a special x-ray procedure performed to evaluate the bladder and the urethra in order to rule out any abnormalities in the bladder neck, narrowing of the urethra or reflux of urine into the kidneys, etc.
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What happens during this procedure?
A suitable quantity of contrast medium is 'injected' into the bladder through the suprapubic region (the region located above the pubis).
You are supposed to hold your urine until you have an urgent need to pass urine. An ultrasound scan will be performed before the procedure to ascertain bladder fullness. Only in the case of children who are less than 2 years of age, the contrast is instilled into the bladder by a small tube inserted through the urethra.
After this, you will have to pass urine, in the standing position on a special stand, with one leg flexed at the knee and hip joint. While you are passing urine, x-rays will be captured. You will be told to stop the urine stream once the x-ray film is captured. This step needs to be repeated 2-3 times to complete the study.
Steps will be taken, such as the switching off of lights, in order to ensure that adequate privacy is provided to you during the procedure and to help you feel comfortable during the voiding (emptying of the urinary bladder) of urine.
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Points to Note top
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This procedure does not require any preparation.
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You need to hold urine until the bladder is full, for the suprapubic technique.
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This procedure does not involve any adverse reaction of the contrast agent used.
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In case of female patients who are pregnant or have a possibility of pregnancy, this procedure should not be performed. Please intimate your doctor immediately if this is the case.
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In case of children, the parents will have to explain to the child about the procedure and prepare him or her mentally for it.
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This test can't be performed in case you have an active infection of the bladder or have a constant dribble of urine.
