An x-ray of the bladder is required to detect diseases of the urinary system. Diagnosis can be made at any age if indicated. X-rays are able to detect the early stages of cancer. Diagnostic methods are used different. Based on the data received, the doctor prescribes treatment.
Methods for diagnosing the bladder
To make a diagnosis when symptoms of inflammation of the genitourinary system appear, an X-ray of the kidneys and bladder, or cystography, are performed. There are several methods of x-ray diagnostics:
- Survey. This method shows the entire bladder and kidneys. The method allows you to identify sand and stones in the organs.
- Excretory urography with a contrast agent. Allows you to evaluate the performance of the urinary system. Contrast material is removed from the body with urine.
- Infusion is carried out similarly to excretory, the pictures are more clear.
- Retrograde ureteropyelography allows you to enter a contrast agent through the ureter through a catheter. The method allows you to see minor changes in the system.
- Antegrade pyeloureterography. The contrast medium is administered by a puncture in the lower back. Used in case of doubtfulness of previous methods.
Cystography
When an x-ray of the bladder with a contrast agent is used, a liquid or gaseous form of the solution. The drug is administered using a catheter. When administering a contrast medication, one of the methods is used:
- Ascendant. The substance is injected directly into the cavity of the bladder. First you should go to the toilet. The method is characterized by high reliability of the results.
- Downward. With this method, a contrast drug is administered intravenously. In this case, you will have to wait at least an hour for the stained substance to reach the bladder. For this reason, the method is not popular.
An x-ray of the bladder with a contrast agent allows you to see a clear picture of the genitourinary system, identify stones and other organ pathologies. An X-ray is also highly reliable in detecting tumors.
As a contrast agent, iodamide, triombrast, urographin are used. An excessive amount of these substances in the kidneys, 30 minutes after the administration of the drug, indicates a slowed down of the genitourinary system.
Indications
An x-ray of the bladder is prescribed by a therapist or urologist in the presence of the following indications:
- detection of benign or malignant tumors in the pelvic area;
- determination of the presence of stones or sand in the kidneys and bladder;
- to exclude tuberculosis of the genitourinary system;
- determination of congenital or acquired pathologies of the urinary system, is used more often in young children;
- with suspected reflux;
- for the diagnosis of mechanical injuries of the bladder;
- identification of the inflammatory process and complications resulting from infectious diseases;
- determining the causes of enuresis;
- impaired kidney function.
Radiography is the most reliable method for detecting diseases and pathologies of the genitourinary system.
Contraindications
Despite the high degree of reliability, the method has several contraindications:
- It is unacceptable to diagnose pregnant women because of the high risk of developmental disorders in the child. X-rays are possible only in extreme cases when a threat to the health of the mother exceeds the risk to the baby.
- The method is not used for acute inflammation of the bladder and urinary canals. X-rays are prescribed after stopping the attack and with chronic inflammation.
- If a blood x-ray of the bubble is detected in the urine, it is unacceptable.
Alternative diagnostic methods
If the patient has contraindications for an x-ray of the bladder, then he is recommended to use alternative methods. It can be magnetic resonance imaging or pneumocystography. In the latter method, a gaseous substance is introduced instead of the liquid solution.
Lacunar cystography is a method that combines a contrast agent in a liquid and gaseous state. The liquid is introduced in an amount of 20 ml, and the gas is 20 cm 3 .
Mix cystography is performed during urination. In this case, the doctor sees the entire process of the urethra. In the event of a malfunction or leak of contrast medium, a diagnosis is made.
All these methods help determine the location of the bladder, a violation in its work and pathology. You can also see the presence of stones and sand in the kidneys, thickening of the walls and other anomalies.
An ultrasound scan has fewer contraindications than an x-ray, but does not show all diseases of the genitourinary system.
Children examination
An x-ray of the bladder of a child can be performed at the age of not earlier than 5 months. Irradiation is not dangerous if all the rules for using the x-ray machine are met. Parents are afraid to inject a contrast agent into the baby's bladder, but if the drinking regimen is observed, the colored drug does not harm.
Before the examination, the baby should be properly prepared for the procedure. 7 days before the study, do not feed the child with food that causes bloating. On the day of the X-ray diagnosis, it is necessary to cleanse the intestines with an enema.
An x-ray of the bladder with a contrast agent is carried out in children only after a drug test. The process of x-ray examination is as follows:
- a very small child is injected into a medical dream;
- older children are not given anesthesia;
- using a catheter, a contrast agent is introduced into the bladder;
- 6 hours before the procedure it is forbidden to eat and drink;
- an x-ray shows pathologies and abnormalities in the child’s urogenital system.
The duration of the procedure is no more than 15 minutes. The child wakes up and remains under the supervision of medical personnel for 2 hours. During this time, it is important to empty the bladder. The next day you should drink plenty of water to remove the remnants of the contrast medium from the body.
Adult Examination Technique
To feel calm during the procedure, you should know how to make an x-ray of the bladder.
The patient lies on the couch and is injected with a catheter 200 ml of contrast medium. The catheter is pinched so that the liquid does not spill back.
X-rays are carried out in several positions of the patient. One is done on the back, the second on the side. The third shot captures an empty bladder. Such a system of research allows you to obtain reliable information about diseases of the bladder, the work of the kidneys and excretory system.
If the diagnosis is carried out in a descending type, then the x-ray is carried out within 30-60 minutes after the introduction of the substance. Earlier diagnosis will not be reliable. This method will show a detailed visualization of the contours of the bubble.
Medical workers warn of the pain of the procedure. The introduction of a catheter and contrast medium brings discomfort. If the patient has a reduced pain threshold, then it is possible to use an anesthetic drug.
Before the procedure, you need to consult your doctor to get a referral. A specialist can clarify the nuances of the procedure to reduce discomfort and discomfort.
At the end of the examination, the patient requires bed rest. For a couple of hours he is under the supervision of doctors. In the absence of adverse reactions, he is allowed to go home. During this period, you should drink a large amount of liquid to remove the contrast agent from the body. Complete elimination of the drug will occur within 24 hours.
Deciphering the results
According to the results of an x-ray of the bladder, a conclusion is made about the presence or absence of a disease. A healthy bladder has a rounded oblong shape, a clear outline. In women, the organ looks like an oval, in men, it looks like a triangle. The external contour has clear boundaries and a concave appearance. In children, the bladder in the form of a pear is the norm.
The conclusion indicates whether the organ is symmetrical and whether it has the correct structure. The displacement of the organ in any direction indicates a cystocele disease.
Decryption of images takes 30 minutes, but results may be displayed the next day. It depends on the clinic in which the examination takes place. Pictures along with the conclusion are transferred to the attending physician. Based on this, the question of the need for treatment is resolved.
Diagnostic preparation
Preparation for an x-ray of the bladder consists in the rejection of products that cause increased gas formation. The day before the x-ray, you can take a laxative, and on the day of diagnosis, you should clean the intestines with an enema. Do not eat or drink before the procedure. Follow all the doctor’s requirements.
If you previously had an allergic reaction to medications, then you should inform your doctor about this. Especially if there is a reaction of the body to iodine or latex. This will allow you to choose the right contrast medium without harm to health.