The PainFree Program

Reducing the pain and stress of childrens medical care.

VCUG
Sneak-A-Peek
For Parents

The PainFree Program

Reducing the pain and stress of childrens medical care.

VCUG
Sneak-A-Peek
For Parents
What is VCUG?
VCUG (Voiding Cysto-ure-thro-gram) is a test recommended for
children who have a history of UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections),
or who have had problems with voiding. This test is used to
look at the healthy functioning of the bladder.

What is VCUG?
VCUG (Voiding Cysto-ure-thro-gram) is a test recommended for
children who have a history of UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections),
or who have had problems with voiding. This test is used to
look at the healthy functioning of the bladder.
a VCUG image

a VCUG image
How is a VCUG Performed?
In order to perform the VCUG a small soft tube (catheter)
needs to be inserted into the urethra (where urine leaves
the body) and on into the bladder. Once the catheter is in
place, a special liquid contrast is brought through the
catheter into the bladder to expand it. While the bladder
is expanding special x-rays will be taken. Once the blad-
der is fully expanded, the child will be asked to void
(urinate) while laying on the x-ray table. As the bladder
empties more x-rays will be taken.

How is a VCUG Performed?

In order to perform the VCUG a small soft tube (catheter)
needs to be inserted into the urethra (where urine leaves
the body) and on into the bladder. Once the catheter is in
place, a special liquid contrast is brought through the
catheter into the bladder to expand it. While the bladder
is expanding special x-rays will be taken. Once the blad-
der is fully expanded, the child will be asked to void
(urinate) while laying on the x-ray table. As the bladder
empties more x-rays will be taken.
Preparing Your Child for VCUG
To help prepare your child for their VCUG we ask that you do the
following:
Have your child practice urinating in a bathtub.
Activity: Have your child lay in the bathtub at home and ask
them to urinate. Although this may seem a bit strange,
children are able to deal with experiences better when
they are prepared for what is expected of them.

This practice exercise is intended to help your child feel

more familiar with the process of voiding while laying
down. Their success with this exer-
cise also helps the PainFree Team
determine how to best support your
child during their test.

Preparing Your Child for VCUG

To help prepare your child for their VCUG we ask that you do the
following:
Have your child practice urinating in a bathtub.
Activity: Have your child lay in the bathtub at home and ask
them to urinate. Although this may seem a bit strange,
children are able to deal with experiences better when
they are prepared for what is expected of them.

This practice exercise is intended to help your child feel

more familiar with the process of voiding while laying
down. Their success with this exer-
cise also helps the PainFree Team
determine how to best support your
child during their test.
Please DO :

Encourage your child to do the practice exercise (see previous

page).
If your child may receive sedation, please follow the guidelines
for eating and drinking. If guidelines are not followed it may
result in delay or cancellation of the VCUG.
If your child has a favorite blanket or special stuffed animal,
bring it with you.
Arrange for care of your other children. They will not be allowed
into the testing area, and we do not have child care providers.

Please DO NOT :

Plan other commitments around the time of testing. The VCUG

and your childs recovery from sedation cannot be rushed.

Please DO :

Encourage your child to do the practice exercise (see previous

page).
If your child may receive sedation, please follow the guidelines
for eating and drinking. If guidelines are not followed it may
result in delay or cancellation of the VCUG.
If your child has a favorite blanket or special stuffed animal,
bring it with you.
Arrange for care of your other children. They will not be allowed
into the testing area, and we do not have child care providers.

Please DO NOT :

Plan other commitments around the time of testing. The VCUG

and your childs recovery from sedation cannot be rushed.
Helpful Hints for VCUG Testing
As your child prepares for their VCUG, there are some steps you can take to
help ensure the testing process goes smoothly.
Allow your child to ask questions.
It is important that they understand what they will experience, and
feel confident and secure.
Childrens fears are often different from adults.
Encourage your child to talk about what might be frightening to them.
You may stay in the procedure room unless it is determined that your
child will remain sedated for the duration of the test.
Then you may stay with your child until they fall asleep.
This depends completely upon your comfort level.
A Child Life Specialist will be with your child to provide emotional
support, regardless.
(continued on next page)

Helpful Hints for VCUG Testing

As your child prepares for their VCUG, there are some steps you can take to
help ensure the testing process goes smoothly.
Allow your child to ask questions.
It is important that they understand what they will experience, and
feel confident and secure.
Childrens fears are often different from adults.
Encourage your child to talk about what might be frightening to them.
You may stay in the procedure room unless it is determined that your
child will remain sedated for the duration of the test.
Then you may stay with your child until they fall asleep.
This depends completely upon your comfort level.
A Child Life Specialist will be with your child to provide emotional
support, regardless.
(continued on next page)
If your child receives sedation, and he/she awakens during
testing they may be a little confused due to the medication.
The Child Life Specialist and/or Anesthesiologist will talk
with your child and will provide support as they finish
the testing process.
When testing is complete your child will be brought
back to the PainFree Comfort Corner for recovery.

If your child receives sedation, and he/she awakens during

testing they may be a little confused due to the medication.
The Child Life Specialist and/or Anesthesiologist will talk
with your child and will provide support as they finish
the testing process.
When testing is complete your child will be brought
back to the PainFree Comfort Corner for recovery.
Directions to The PainFree Program
From the DHMC North Entrance on Level 1:
Enter the hospital, and take the elevators straight
ahead and to the left.
Take the elevator to the 5th floor.
Take a right off the elevators.
Take another right down the hall towards the pediatric
inpatient unit.
Follow the hall until you see the CHaD sign above the
double doors.
Go through the double doors and the PainFree Program
Check-In is the 1st door on the right.
If you arrive before 8:00am there will be no one in that
office. Go to the next set of doors on your right and
walk in. The nurse will be there to greet you.
If you get lost and need further assistance, you can use
any of the phones along the way and dial 5-2908 and
someone will help you.

Directions to The PainFree Program

From the DHMC North Entrance on Level 1:
Enter the hospital, and take the elevators straight
ahead and to the left.
Take the elevator to the 5th floor.
Take a right off the elevators.
Take another right down the hall towards the pediatric
inpatient unit.
Follow the hall until you see the CHaD sign above the
double doors.
Go through the double doors and the PainFree Program
Check-In is the 1st door on the right.
If you arrive before 8:00am there will be no one in that
office. Go to the next set of doors on your right and
walk in. The nurse will be there to greet you.
If you get lost and need further assistance, you can use
any of the phones along the way and dial 5-2908 and
someone will help you.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about your childs VCUG,
please contact the referring doctor. If you have any questions or
concerns about your childs visit to the PainFree Program, please
contact Linda Jellison, PainFree Program Coordinator,
(603) 650-2908.

NOTES:

Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about your childs VCUG,
please contact the referring doctor. If you have any questions or
concerns about your childs visit to the PainFree Program, please
contact Linda Jellison, PainFree Program Coordinator,
(603) 650-2908.

NOTES:
This publication was brought to you as a part of:
The PainFree Program*

Joseph Cravero, MD, Anesthesiologist, PainFree Medical Director

Kristin King, CCLS, Child Life Specialist
Patricia Levesque, RN, Registered Nurse
Robin Hodge, LNA/PCT, Patient Care Technician
Linda Jellison, PainFree Program Coordinator

Created 3/02

*PainFree Sneak-A-Peek developed by Kristin King, CCLS, Department of Child Life Services.

This publication was brought to you as a part of:

The PainFree Program*

Joseph Cravero, MD, Anesthesiologist, PainFree Medical Director

Kristin King, CCLS, Child Life Specialist
Patricia Levesque, RN, Registered Nurse
Robin Hodge, LNA/PCT, Patient Care Technician
Linda Jellison, PainFree Program Coordinator

Created 3/02

*PainFree Sneak-A-Peek developed by Kristin King, CCLS, Department of Child Life Services.
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, NH 03756-0001
(603) 650-5000
www.painfree.org

One Medical Center Drive

Lebanon, NH 03756-0001
(603) 650-5000
www.painfree.org