Examination of the URETHRA using X-RAYS. A radio-opaque ?uid is injected into the bladder and any abnormalities of the urethra can be observed on the X-ray ?lms.
n. a technique for X-ray examination of the urethra. *Contrast medium is introduced into the urethra so that its outline and any narrowing or other abnormalities may be observed in X-ray images (urethrograms). In ascending (or antegrade) urethrography contrast medium is injected up the urethra using a special syringe and penile clamp. In descending urethrography (or micturating cystourethrography, MCU), X-rays of the urethra can be taken during the passing of water-soluble contrast material previously instilled into the bladder in order to demonstrate abnormal urethral narrowing or disorders of micturition, particularly bladder emptying.
n. X-ray examination of the urinary bladder after filling it with a contrast medium. The X-ray images thus obtained are known as cystograms. Cystography is most commonly performed to detect reflux of urine from the bladder to the ureters, usually in children (see vesicoureteric reflux). In adults it is often performed to detect bladder injury or perforation. If films are taken during voiding (micturating cystourethrogram) then the urethra can also be observed (see urethrography). The examination can also be performed in conjunction with manometry (see bladder pressure study).... cystography
n. a narrowing of any tubular structure in the body, such as the oesophagus (gullet), biliary tract, bowel, ureter, or urethra. A stricture may result from inflammation, muscular spasm, growth of a tumour within the affected part, or from pressure on it by neighbouring organs. For example, a urethral stricture is a fibrous narrowing of the urethra, usually resulting from injury or inflammation. The patient has increasing difficulty in passing urine and may develop urinary *retention. The site and length of the stricture is assessed by *urethrography and urethroscopy, and treatment is by periodic dilatation of the urethra using *sounds, *urethrotomy, or *urethroplasty. Strictures in the gastrointestinal tract may be dilated by *balloons or treated surgically by *stricturoplasty or division stricturotomy. Symptomatic malignant strictures can be managed by insertion of a *stent to relieve the obstruction, especially in cases of oesophageal, colonic, or biliary strictures.... stricture
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