The Clinical Nurse Specialist Team

The Urology Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are nurses who specialise in cancer of the bladder, kidney, prostate, testis and penis, we work as part of the multi-disciplinary team, alongside healthcare professionals. We provide information about your diagnosis, treatment options, specialist support and information to you, your family and carers throughout your cancer treatment and follow up care.

We provide a link and point of contact for you and your family and are your designated key worker.

Cancer Support Worker

The Cancer Support Worker (CSW) works as part of the cancer care team alongside registered practitioners to help improve care for people with cancer, helping patients to self-manage and lead as healthy lives as possible.The CSW is not a qualified clinician, but is trained and experienced in supporting people with a cancer diagnosis.

CSW’s can offer practical and emotional support, sign posting, and information about lifestyle changes, such as diet, physical activity, benefits referrals and local support available.

What we offer

• Nurse-led clinics, telephone clinics.
• Personalised information about treatment options.
• Education events and self-management programmes.
• Holistic needs assessments and individualised care plans.
• Sign-posting to other agencies.
• Referrals to other specialist teams.
• Introduction to the Macmillan Wellbeing Centre.
• Telephone advice and support.

We are happy to discuss any issues with nominated relatives or carers, but we must gain permission to do so from you the patient beforehand.

Patients transferring to another hospital

If you are referred to another hospital for ongoing treatment your care will transferred to the CNS team based at that hospital.

Holistic Needs Assessment

A holistic needs assessment (HNA) is a simple questionnaire that is completed by a person affected by cancer. It allows you to highlight the most important issues at the time of your diagnosis, and after treatment.

The questionnaire can be completed on a tablet (portable touch screen computer) with your nurse or key worker during your outpatient appointments, or at home using your own computer. You will need an access code to complete the questionnaire at home – please speak to your nurse or key worker to find out how to get an access code.

This information is then used to create an individualised care and support plan by your nurse or CSW.

Concerns covered by the HNA include:

• Physical concerns: indigestion, tiredness, changes in weight, moving around, appearance, etc.
• Practical concerns: taking care of others, work or education, transport or parking, housing, pets, etc.
• Emotional concerns: uncertainty, anger and frustration, sadness or depression, independence, body image, intimacy, etc.
• Family or relationship concerns: partner, children, person who looks over me, person I look after, etc.
• Spiritual concerns: faith or spirituality, meaning or purpose of life, etc.
• Information or support: exercise and activity, diet and nutrition, health and wellbeing, patient or carers group, etc.

Cancer Information and Support Clinic

As part of your routine care you will be invited to a group education and support session for patients and their families/friends/carer at or soon after the time of a cancer diagnosis. The aim is to provide information to you about the range of topics relating to cancer that help you take control and participate in your care and recovery. It is an important and necessary part of the support that we offer so that you can make choices best suited to you.

The clinics provide an opportunity to meet other people with similar experiences, providing reassurance, reducing anxiety and the sense of isolation some people feel.

The clinic is held in the NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre at Southmead Hospital and is run twice a week by the Cancer Support Workers. The session lasts for approximately two and a quarter hours with a refreshment break (tea, coffee and biscuits provided).

Pop in for a chat or call to find out more about what we can offer and how we may be able to help.

NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre

The NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre, at Southmead Hospital, is available to help anyone affected by cancer; whether you are someone who has just been diagnosed, in the middle of or finished treatment, or whether you are a friend, family member or carer of someone with cancer.

Staff at the centre can signpost patients to information, support and practical advice to help you live well through treatment and beyond.

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 4pm, the telephone number is: 0117 414 7051.

Useful websites

Prostate Cancer UK: www.prostatecanceruk.org
Kidney cancer UK: www.kcuk.org
Bladder Cancer UK: www.actiononbladdercancer.org
www.fightbladdercancer.co.uk
Testicular Cancer: www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/itsinthebag
Penile Cancer: www.orchid-cancer.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.uk

How to contact us:

Urology Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists: 0117 4140512

Macmillan Wellbeing Centre: 0117 414 7051

www.nbt.nhs.uk/urology

If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2019. Review due March 2021. NBT003170

Personalised Care and Support Plans 

What are they and how can they help?

Personalised care and support planning involves a conversation. This allows you to discuss your health and wellbeing in relation to your cancer.

As part of your ongoing care, we offer you this assessment to ensure that, wherever possible, your concerns and needs are being addressed.

A Personalised Care and Support Plan gives you a chance to think about your concerns. Knowing your concerns, we can discuss possible solutions.

Following a conversation with one of the cancer support team, together you will:

• Identify any concerns you may have, using a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA).
• Develop an agreed plan of care to address your concerns.

This care plan is written down and you will be given a copy. A copy is also sent to your GP.

You can choose to have the care planning discussion over the phone if you prefer, and your care plan will be sent to you.

You decide what is in your Personalised Care and Support Plan. You can include your individual needs and concerns to understand what matters to you.

Please bring a family member or friend with you when the discussion takes place, if you would like to.

Benefits of a Personalised Care and Support Plan: 

• You can get information and support about any concerns you may have.
• It can help you to prioritise what matters to you.
• It can help you feel more in control and involved in your care.
• You can be referred to other services, if needed.
• It can help you plan ahead, from diagnosis through to treatment and beyond.

The discussion may include:

• Physical concerns: for example tiredness, weight loss, appetite, or eating.
• Emotional concerns: for example, worries about the future, and relationships, feeling a lack of control.
• Practical concerns: for example, sorting out housework and finding out where to get equipment that can help.
• Job, money, or housing worries: for example, balancing work and treatment, and finding out about benefits or financial advice.
• Spiritual concerns: for example, your faith and beliefs, and any impact this may be having.

You will be contacted by phone or letter to arrange an appointment.

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published September 2024. Review due September 2027. NBT003095.

What is the Multi-Disciplinary Team?

The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) consists of a team with specialist training and experience in the diagnosis and management of skin cancer. The idea behind an MDT meeting is to streamline and improve continuity of care, with everyone being informed of the overall picture and included in decision making about treatment for individual patients.

Members of the Skin Cancer MDT

MDT Coordinator

Consultant Plastic Surgeons and their teams

Consultant Oncologists

Consultant Dermatologists

Consultant Histopathologists

Consultant Radiologists

Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists

Clinical Trials Nurse

MDT meetings

The MDT meeting is held every Monday morning to discuss individual patients and their treatment. The MDT may discuss patients at any point in their skin cancer pathway for example:

• After having a biopsy
• After having a scan
• After completing a course of treatment
• If new symptoms develop

MDT Decisions

Once the MDT has agreed a Treatment Plan an appointment is made for you to discuss this plan.

If you need to access a member of the MDT to discuss your treatment, or if you require further information about any aspect of your diagnosis or care you may contact your Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Treatment at other hospitals

Treatment for Skin cancer is usually carried out at Southmead Hospital, whilst Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy is carried out at the Bristol Oncology Centre. Your Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist at Southmead Hospital will be able to liaise with the Bristol Oncology services on your behalf.

How to contact us:

Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists

Lynda Knowles

Joanne Watson

Samantha Wells

Claire Lanfear

0117 414 7415

Information for patients whose doctor has requested that you have a barium meal. We hope the following information will answer some of the questions you may have about this procedure.

What is a barium meal?

It is an examination of the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and the first part of your bowel. These areas of your body cannot normally be seen on X-ray images. The procedure uses a type of X-ray, called fluoroscopy, to view images in real time. The images are taken as you swallow a white liquid (called barium) as it passes into your stomach and small bowel. The procedure is carried out by a specialist radiographer. 

How do I prepare for a barium meal?

Please do not eat or drink for 6 hours before your appointment time. If you need to, you can take small sips of water or clear fluid.

Continue to take your normal medication unless otherwise instructed; however please inform us when you arrive if you are allergic to anything.

If you are diabetic please make sure your blood sugars are maintained.

The procedure uses X-rays and the amount of radiation used is very low, however if you think you may be pregnant please inform the Imaging Department before attending the appointment. The phone number for the Imaging Department can be found on your appointment letter.

On the day of the procedure:

• You will arrive at Gate 18, where a member of the Imaging team will take you through to the fluoroscopy waiting room.
• A specialist radiographer will discuss the procedure with you. You will have the opportunity to ask questions. If you are happy to proceed you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• You will first be asked to place some granules on your tongue and drink a small amount of liquid with the granules; this will help create gas in your stomach.
• You will then be asked drink liquid barium before the X-ray images being taken.
• You will lie on an X-ray table and the specialist radiographer will ask you to roll into various positions to coat your stomach with the barium. As this is happening the specialist radiographer will take a number of X-rays to assess your stomach.
• Finally you may be asked to stand and drink a further mouthful of barium so the oesophagus and stomach can be viewed from several angles.
• The examination is usually complete within 20 minutes, but may take longer. You may need to wait for a few minutes afterwards so we can make sure we have all the necessary information.

After the examination:

• There will still be some barium left in the bowel and your stools (poo) will appear whitish in colour for a couple of days.
• Barium can occasionally cause constipation, so we recommend that you drink plenty of fluids afterwards.
• You can eat and drink normally after the examination.

What are the risks associated with a barium meal?

Barium meals are generally a very safe test and problems rarely happen. The barium liquid is not absorbed by the body as it only coats the walls of the oesophagus, stomach, and bowel. 

• If you have difficulty in swallowing there is a risk of aspiration (breathing in) the barium. Please inform the Imaging Department before your appointment if you are known to aspirate when you drink.
• Fluoroscopy involves the use of X-rays; however with modern equipment the risk is very low (NRPB 2014).

How will I get the results?

You will not be told the result at the time of the examination, as analysis of the images will take place after you have left the department.

The specialist radiographer and a radiologist (specialist imaging doctor) will review your examination at the earliest opportunity. This will be sent to the doctor who requested the examination. Allow 7-10 days for the doctor to receive the report.

Finally, we hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions either before or after the procedure the staff in the Imaging Department will be happy to answer them.

The phone number for the Imaging Department can be found on the appointment letter.

References

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published February 2025. Review due February 2028. NBT003314

Your doctor has requested that you have a barium swallow. We hope the following information will answer some of the questions you may have about this procedure.

What is a barium swallow?

It is an examination of the oesophagus (food pipe) and the stomach. These areas of your body cannot normally be seen on X-ray images.

The procedure uses a type of X-ray, called fluoroscopy, to view images in real time.

The images are taken as you swallow a white liquid (called barium) down into your stomach. The procedure is carried out by a specialist radiographer.

How do I prepare for a barium swallow?

Please do not eat or drink for a minimum of 4 hours before your appointment time. If you need to, you can take small sips of water or clear fluid. Diabetic patients to ensure blood sugars are maintained.

Continue to take your normal medication unless otherwise instructed; however please inform us if you are allergic to anything.

If you are diabetic please ensure your blood sugars are maintained.

The procedure uses X-rays and the amount of radiation used is very low, however if you think you may be pregnant please inform the Imaging department before attending the appointment. The telephone number for the Imaging department can be found on the appointment letter.

On the day of the procedure

• You will arrive at Gate 18 and a member of the Imaging team will take you through to the fluoroscopy waiting room.
• The specialist radiographer will discuss the procedure with you. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions. If you are happy to proceed you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• You will be asked to stand next to the X-ray machine and you will then be asked to take mouthfuls of the liquid barium and to swallow it as the X-ray images are taken. The specialist radiographer will take a number of X-rays to watch the barium pass through your oesophagus and into your stomach.
• You may be asked to stand in different positions so the oesophagus and stomach can be viewed from several angles.
• The examination is usually complete within 20 minutes, but may take longer. You may need to wait for a few minutes afterwards so we can make sure we have all the necessary information.

After the examination

• There will still be some barium retained in the bowel and your stools will appear whitish in colour for a couple of days.
• Barium can occasionally cause constipation, so we recommend that you drink plenty of fluids afterwards.
• You can eat and drink normally after the examination. Eating a high fibre diet like bran or wholemeal bread can help, but the main thing is to drink plenty of fluids.

What are the risks associated with a barium swallow?

Barium swallows are generally regarded as a very safe test and problems rarely occur. The barium liquid is not absorbed by the body as it only coats the walls of the oesophagus, stomach and bowel.

• If you have difficulty in swallowing there is a risk of aspiration (breathing in) the barium. Please inform the Imaging department before your appointment if you are known to aspirate when you drink.
• Fluoroscopy involves the use of X-rays; however with modern equipment the risk is very low (NRPB 2014).

How will I get the results?

You will not get an indication of the result at the time of the examination, as analysis of the images will take place after you have left the department.

The specialist radiographer and a radiologist (specialist imaging doctor) will report on review your examination at the earliest opportunity. A written report will follow and this will be sent to the doctor who requested the examination. Allow 7-10 days for the doctor to receive the report.

Finally we hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions either before or after the procedure, the staff in the Imaging department will be happy to answer them.

The phone number for the X-ray department can be found on the appointment letter. 

References

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published August 2023. Review due August 2026. NBT003313

This leaflet provides you with information about having a water soluble ileostomy enema. It explains what is involved and who you will meet.

What is an ileostomy enema?

This is an examination to look at the section of bowel leading to or from your stoma (opening onto the abdominal wall) using X-ray dye. The procedure is carried out by a specialist radiographer.

What preparation is required?

• Please do not eat or drink from midnight prior to the examination.
• If you are diabetic please ensure your blood sugars are maintained.
• Please bring a spare stoma bag to replace the removed stoma bag.

On the day of the procedure

• You will arrive at Gate 18 and a member of the Imaging team will take you through to the fluoroscopy waiting room.
• A specialist radiographer will discuss the procedure with you. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions. If you are happy to proceed you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• You will need to lie on the X-ray table where a small, soft plastic tube will be placed either into your back passage or your stoma, depending on the information your referring doctor requires.
• A small amount of clear X-ray dye will then be introduced into the bowel.
• During the procedure you may be asked to hold in as much fluid in your bowel as possible.
• It is not uncommon for dye to leak during the procedure; please do not be concerned if this happens but let us know.
• You may be asked to lie in various positions to enable the passage of dye to the area of interest.
• At the end of the examination we will drain out as much of the X-ray dye as we are able to.
• Despite best efforts some dye will remain in your bowel and over time will pass either into your stoma bag or into the back passage. This can take up to 12 hours.
• Once all the dye has been emptied there are no after effects following this procedure.
• The whole procedure will take approximately 45 minutes.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with this examination?

A water soluble ileostomy enema is a safe examination; however as with any examination there are small risks but these are extremely rare.

• The soft tube is inserted into the rectum (back passage) or stoma could cause a slight tear. A small injury of this nature will often resolve itself.
• There is also a very rare risk that your bowel could perforate (a small tear could be made in the wall of the bowel). This may require further examination or another procedure.
• An allergic reaction to the X-ray dye is extremely rare.
• As with all X-ray examinations, we will do our best to keep the exposure to radiation to the absolute minimum.

Will the examination be painful?

You may experience a little discomfort while the tube is inserted and when we fill your bowel with the X-ray dye. This is due to the stretching of the tissue after weeks of non-use. The specialist radiographer will take great care to minimise any discomfort for you.

Is there an alternative examination?

No, there is no alternative examination available.

What about after care?

• After the examination you can eat and drink normally.
• Some residual clear X-ray dye may pass into the stoma bag following the procedure.
• You will notice the stoma bag filling quicker than expected.
• You may also experience movement from your back passage as the X-ray dye passes through your bowel.

When will I get the results?

The specialist radiographer will review your examination at the earliest opportunity then make a written report. This will be sent to the doctor who requested the examination. Allow 7-10 days for the doctor to receive the report.

If you already have a clinic appointment you will receive the results then, otherwise you will receive a letter with a date for a clinic appointment.

Privacy and dignity

At North Bristol NHS Trust we are committed to providing the best possible experience for patients, ensuring the need for privacy and dignity in a safe, caring environment. We will treat every patient as an individual and respect their cultural values and beliefs.

Sometimes tests, although necessary, can be embarrassing or undignified for patients but we will endeavour to do everything we can to make you as comfortable as possible during your visit to the department. We hope that the information on this page will answer any questions you may have but please feel free to contact us if you have any particular worries, questions or concerns.

The phone number for the Imaging department can be found on the appointment letter.

References

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published August 2023. Review due August 2026. NBT003312

This information is for patients whose doctor has requested that you have a colonic transit study. We hope the following information will answer some of the questions you may have about this procedure.

What is a colonic transit study?

It is an examination that evaluates the function of your large bowel (or colon). This study assesses how quickly material moves through your bowel. The procedure is carried out by a specialist radiographer.

How do I prepare for a colonic transit study?

You may continue to eat and drink normally throughout the duration of this study. Do not use any laxatives before or during this study.

You will be given a pack of capsules which you will need to take over a period of 3 days and then you will come for your x-ray on the 6th day. Please take the capsules as near to 9:00am as possible on each day.

• Day 1: Swallow the 2 capsules number one (1) on the foil
• Day 2: Swallow the 2 capsules numbered two (2) on the foil
• Day 3: Swallow the 2 capsules numbered three (3) on the foil
• Day 4: There are no capsules to take today
• Day 5: There are no capsules to take today
• Day 6: Attend the Imaging Department, Gate 18, Southmead Hospital.

If you are vegetarian/vegan please be aware that the capsules contain gelatine.

You can continue to take your normal medication unless otherwise instructed; however please inform us if you are allergic to anything.

The procedure uses x-rays and the amount of radiation used is small, however if you think you may be pregnant please inform the imaging department before attending the appointment (NRPB 2014).

On the day of the procedure:

• You will arrive at Gate 18 and a member of the Imaging team will take you through to the fluoroscopy waiting room.
• You will be asked to confirm your details and that you have taken the capsules. You will then be brought through to the X-ray room.
• You will be asked to lie down on the X-ray table and the radiographer will take an X-ray of your abdomen.

After the examination:

Once the radiographer has checked that the X-ray image is adequate, you may go home.

What are the risks associated with a colonic transit study?

There are no side effects from these capsules and they will be passed with your stool (poo) over the next few days if they haven’t done so already.

How will I get the results?

You will not get an indication of the result at the time of the examination, as analysis of the images will take place after you have left the department. 

The radiographer will review your examination at the earliest opportunity and compile a written report this will be sent to the doctor who requested the examination. Allow 7-10 days for the doctor to receive the report. 

Finally we hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions either before or after the procedure the staff in the X-ray department will be happy to answer them. 

The phone number for the X-ray department can be found on the appointment letter.

References

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2024. Review due March 2027. NBT003311.

Your doctor has requested that you have a urethrogram. We hope the following information will answer some of the questions you may have about this procedure.

What is a urethrogram/peri-catheter urethrogram?

This is an examination of the tube (urethra) that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body. Using X-ray dye, the length of the tube from the bladder to the outside will be demonstrated.

What preparation is required?

No preparation is required before the urethrogram; you can eat and drink as normal. There is no requirement to stop taking any regular medications.

The procedure uses X-rays and the amount of radiation used is very low, however if you think you may be pregnant please inform the department before attending the appointment.

What happens when I arrive?

• You will arrive at Gate 18 reception area and a member of the Imaging team will take you through to the fluoroscopy waiting room.
• A doctor or specialist radiographer will discuss the procedure with you. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions. If you are happy to proceed you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.

What will happen during the examination?

• You will also be asked your relevant medical history, including any allergies you may suffer from.
• We will ask you to lie on the X-ray table on your back.
• The area around the urethra will then be cleaned with a sterile cleaning fluid and a lubricating jelly administered.
• A small plastic tube called a catheter will be gently inserted by the doctor or specialist radiographer into the opening of the urethra and a small balloon at the end of the catheter may be inflated to keep the catheter in place if required.
• X-rays are then taken as the dye is introduced through the catheter.
• Depending on the information your referring doctor requires, we sometimes will then fill your bladder through this tube, remove the tube and then take X-rays as you urinate into a container.
• The procedure normally takes between 20 to 30 minutes.

Are there any risks or side effects to the examination?

An urethrogram is a safe examination.

• An allergic reaction to the X-ray dye is extremely rare.
• As with any bladder catheterization there is a small risk of infection. Following this examination if you find it painful to urinate or experience increased urgency in urinating or if you have a temperature, please contact your GP or 111 service as you may need antibiotics. 
• If you experience any discomfort urinating, it usually resolves in less than 12 hours. Your urine may also be slightly pink after the test but it is not anything to worry about. You should see your GP or contact the 111 service if you experience any bleeding or difficulties with passing urine.

As with all X-ray examinations, we will do our best to keep the exposure to radiation to an absolute minimum.

Will the examination be painful?

An urethrogram may cause a little discomfort during catheterization.

In addition, as the dye is introduced you may have a sensation of pressure in your urethra, especially if you do have a stricture (narrowing) of that area.

When will I get the results?

You will not get an indication of the result at the time of the examination, as analysis of the images will take place after you have left the department.

The specialist radiographer and a doctor will report your examination at the earliest opportunity then make a written report. This will be sent to your doctor who requested the examination. Allow 7-10 days for the doctor to receive the report.

Is there an alternative examination?

There is no alternate examination.

Aftercare advice

At the end of the examination the majority of the X-ray dye will have been removed from your bladder, however the X-ray dye we use is sticky and you may notice this on your skin. It washes off easily.

Following the examination, you will be able to continue with your normal everyday activities including going back to work.

Privacy and dignity

At North Bristol NHS Trust we are committed to providing the best possible experience for patients, ensuring the need for privacy and dignity in a safe, caring environment. We will treat every patient as an individual and respect their cultural values and beliefs.

Sometimes tests, although necessary, can be embarrassing or undignified for patients but we will do our best to do everything we can to make you as comfortable as possible during your visit to the department.

We hope that the information on this page will answer any questions you may have but please feel free to contact us if you have any particular worries, questions or concerns.

Questions and concerns

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us on the number in your appointment letter.

References

North Bristol Trust (2010) Privacy and Dignity policy

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (2017) Patient information factsheet, “Having a Urethrogram”

Royal Surrey County Hospital Foundation Trust (2014) Patient Information leaflet, “Male Urethrogram”

How to contact us

Brunel building
Southmead Hospital
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 5NB

Telephone: 0300 555 0103

If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this information please ask a member of staff for advice.

If you’re an overseas visitor, you may need to pay for your treatment or you could face fraud or bribery
charges, so please contact the overseas office:

• Tel: 0117 414 3764
• Email: overseas.patients@nbt.nhs.uk

This information is for patients whose doctor has requested that you have a cystogram. We hope the following information will answer some of the questions you may have about this procedure.

What is cystogram?

This is an examination of the bladder using X-ray dye to show the structure and shape of the bladder and occasionally the micturating (emptying) of the bladder.

Why do I need a cystogram?

It may be that you have had symptoms such as bladder infections, blood in the urine, problems with incontinence (leaking urine) or other symptoms which suggest that you may have a problem with the structure of the bladder. This examination is also used following recent bladder surgery or bladder injury.

What preparation is required?

No preparation is required before a cystogram; you can eat and drink as normal. There is no requirement to stop taking any regular medications.

The procedure uses X-rays and the amount of radiation used is very low, however if you think you may be pregnant please inform the department before attending the appointment.

During the cystogram there is a chance of the X-ray dye passing around the outside of the catheter to the skin surface, this is known as bypassing around the catheter. This may require a change of underwear.

What will happen during the examination?

• You will arrive at Gate 18 and a member of the Imaging team will take you through to the fluoroscopy waiting room.
• A radiographer will discuss the procedure with you. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions. If you are happy to proceed you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
• You will also be asked about your relevant medical history, including any allergies you may suffer from.
• You will then be asked to lie on the X-ray table on your back.
• If you already have a bladder catheter in situ, we will disconnect the bag and attach our bottle of X-ray dye to your catheter.
• If you do not have a catheter we will place one inside your bladder.
• X-rays are then used to image the filling bladder as the dye is slowly introduced through the catheter.
• Depending on the information your referring doctor requires, occasionally we will remove the tube and then move the table to a standing position so that we are able to take X-rays as you urinate the dye into a container.

The procedure normally takes between 20 to 30 minutes but please allow an hour for the appointment.

Please be assured we will do our best to maintain your dignity and privacy throughout this procedure.

Are there any risks or side effects to the examination?

The cystogram is a safe examination.

• An allergic reaction to the X-ray dye is extremely rare.
• As with any bladder catheterization there is a small risk of infection. Following this examination, if you find it painful with increased urgency in urinating or if you have a temperature, please contact your GP or NHS 111 as a course of antibiotics may be required.
• If catheterization is required during the examination you may experience discomfort urinating, it usually resolves in less than 12 hours. Your urine may also be slightly pink after the test but it is not anything to worry about. You should see your GP or contact the NHS 111 service if you experience any bleeding or difficulties with passing urine.

Will the examination be painful?

A cystogram may cause a little discomfort during catheterization. In addition as the X-ray dye is introduced your bladder will start to feel full, if the feeling of “fullness” becomes unbearable please inform the radiographer during the procedure.

What about aftercare?

At the end of the examination the majority of the X-ray dye will have been removed from your bladder, however the X-ray dye we use is sticky. It washes off easily.

Following the examination, you will be able to continue with your normal everyday activities including going back to work.

Is there an alternative examination?

Patients referred for this test may also be referred for a cystoscopy to look at the structure of the urethra and bladder. A cystogram however, provides information on how the bladder behaves as it fills and can demonstrate reflux (back flow of dye) from the bladder up the ureters towards the kidneys.

When will I get the results?

You will not get an indication of the result at the time of the examination, as analysis of the images will take place after you have left the department.

The radiographer and a radiologist (specialist imaging doctor) will report on your examination at the earliest opportunity then make a written report. This will be sent to the doctor who requested the examination. Allow 7-10 days for the doctor to receive the report.

Privacy and dignity

At North Bristol NHS Trust we are committed to providing the best possible experience for patients, ensuring the need for privacy and dignity in a safe, caring environment. We will treat every patient as an individual and respect their cultural values and beliefs.

Sometimes tests, although necessary, can be embarrassing or undignified for patients but we will do our best to do everything we can to make you as comfortable as possible during your visit to the department.

A chaperone will be available for the examination if required as per the North Bristol Trust chaperoning policy.

We hope that the information on this page will answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us on the number in your appointment letter. 

References

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published August 2023. Review due August 2026. NBT003309