Radiology
Your consultant or GP has requested that you attend for a urethrogram. This leaflet is designed to explain what the examination involves. The examination will be carried out in the x-ray department at The James Cook University Hospital.
If you are unable to attend, please contact us immediately to rearrange. This will allow us to use the appointment for another patient.
What is the examination for?
A urethrogram is an investigation that allows visualisation of the urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder to outside of the body). Specially trained practitioners or radiologists (doctors) may perform the examination.
Preparation for the examination
There is no specific preparation for a urethrogram examination. Continue to take your medicines as you normally would.
What the examination involves
You will be changed into a gown. You will be laid on your back on the x-ray table. All doors into the room will be locked, and the least number of staff present as possible.
A thin tube, called a catheter, will be gently inserted into your urethra (the opening through which you urinate) and secured in position. If you already have a bladder catheter in place then a small tube will be placed alongside your catheter. Clear x-ray dye (contrast) will be infused, whist the x-ray camera will be above your pelvic area, watching as fluid fills the urethra. X-ray pictures will be taken intermittently.
The tubes that we have inserted will be removed during the final part of the test. You will be taken off the table and to the toilet directly from the room. You will not have to go through a waiting area.
The results of your examination
If you are an inpatient your results will be documented for when you return to the ward. If you are an outpatient your results will be sent to the doctor who referred you. You may not get any results on the day of your examination.
What about transport to the hospital?
Transport has not been arranged for this appointment. If an ambulance is required, please contact your GP at least 48 hours before the appointment date. All car parks are pay and display.
Radiation dose and risk
X-rays use ionising radiation which can cause cell damage that may, after many years or decades, turn cancerous. The risk of this happening is very small compared to the normal lifetime risk of developing cancer which is 1 in 2. We are also all exposed to background radiation every day.
The risk of long-term effects is considered when the healthcare team decide whether someone needs an x-ray examination and radiation doses are kept as low as possible. For this examination radiation dose levels are typically equivalent to around 6 to 12 months of background radiation. The associated risk is less than 1 in 10,000 – Very Low.
Is there anything I need to tell the staff?
For all patients between the ages of 12 and 55 who have ovaries, the x-ray department has a legal responsibility to ensure that this examination is performed within ten days of the first day of your menstrual period.
Please contact the x-ray department if you are pregnant or if this appointment is beyond ten day requirement, and another appointment will be arranged for you.
If you have any special needs or disabilities, please contact the x-ray department on 01642 282639.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 282639, Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]