Retrograde urethrogram (RGU X-ray)

The x-ray RGU is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Acute urinary tract infection
• Any recent procedures performed on the urethra

Your doctor may order this test to detect the cause of poor urine flow due to reasons other than benign enlargement of the prostate, such as:

• Prostate surgery
• Infection
• Trauma from catheter (tube) placement

The test may also be done as an emergency procedure when injury to the urethra is suspected.

The following are some symptoms of narrowing of urethra:

• Bloody or dark urine (Read more: Blood in urine causes)
• Swelling of the penis
• Constant urge to urinate
• Loss of control over the bladder 
• Blood in the semen
• Urethral leakage
• Spraying of urine or slow stream of urine
• Urinary tract infections in men
• Painful urination
• Pain in the abdomen

You do not need any special preparation or fasting for this test. The test does not require anaesthesia or sedation. 

The doctor may ask you to give a urine sample before the test. 

If you already have a catheter placed in your bladder, the test will be done with the catheter in place. 

An antibiotic will be given to you before the test.

A contrast dye is used in this test to enhance the clarity of the x-ray images. If you are allergic to contrast dye, inform the doctor.

You may be asked to empty your bladder and change into a gown before the test.

The procedure will be performed in the following manner:

• The doctor or radiology technologist will position you on the x-ray table. 
• A few x-rays may be taken before injecting the contrast.
• The doctor will place a sterile drape over your lower body for privacy.
• The tip of your penis will be cleaned with an antiseptic to remove any bacteria. 
• The doctor will place a catheter in your urethra.
• The contrast dye will be gently injected through the catheter to fill your urethra. 
• An x-ray camera will be used to capture images of your urethra that can be viewed on a monitor.

The procedure lasts only for about five minutes.

You may feel some discomfort with the insertion of the catheter and a cool sensation when the dye enters the urethra. The test is usually painless, unless you have an injury or trauma to the urethra.

The test can diagnose the following conditions:

• Narrowing of the urethra (urethral strictures)
• Trauma to the pelvic area
• Diverticulum (abnormal pouch) in the urethra
• Foreign bodies in the urethra
• Urethral obstruction
• Fistula (a hole) in the urethra
• Tumours in the urethra

The benefit of this test is that it helps to detect problems in the urethra and plan the best treatment, based on the location and extent of narrowing.

The risks of the scan are:

• Injury to the urethra (rarely)
• Urinary tract infection
• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye

You can resume your routine activities after the test. You may feel some irritation when you urinate for a day or two after the test. You may also pass some blood in the urine for one to two days, which is normal. 

Inform the doctor if you develop fever, chills, burning with urination or foul-smelling urine within 24 hours of the test.

The other tests that can be ordered with the x-ray RGU are:

• Voiding cystourethrogram
• Cystoscopy

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.