Videourodynamics are a group of tests used to study the bladder and the flow of urine. These tests show how well the bladder and the connecting tubes (the urethra and the ureters) are working.

Before the Test

  • This test should not be done if your child has a bladder infection.
  • Before you come to the hospital, explain to your child what will happen in words they can understand. Talk with younger children right before the test. Sometimes it is hard to know how to explain this test to children. If you would like help, call a child life specialist at 513-636-8034.
  • You and your child may ask questions at any time before, during or after the test.
  • We encourage you to stay with your child during the test. Children are usually more cooperative and less scared when a loved one is with them. You will wear a lead apron for your protection. However, if you are pregnant, you will have to wait outside the room.
  • Please bring comfort items, such as a pacifier, bottle, blanket, stuffed animal, book or favorite toy for your child to have during the test.
  • Siblings should stay with another caregiver so that you can focus on comforting your child.

During the Test

  • This test usually lasts about 60 minutes.
  • After changing into a hospital gown, your child lies on a special X-ray table.
  • Small square painless bandages, called EMG patches, are placed on the outer leg and on your child’s bottom which measure your child’s muscles.
  • There are no shots or needles involved in this test.
  • The nurse places a small, thin, soft tube called a catheter in your child’s rectum, or bottom opening.
  • The nurse cleans the opening where your child's urine comes out and then slide a small, thin, soft tube called a catheter into your child's bladder through that opening. The tube or catheter is secured with a piece of tape.
  • It is important that your child lie still while the catheters are in place and during the X-ray pictures. It is often hard for young children to hold still for this procedure. Our staff will assist and support your child in holding still.
  • A large camera comes above and across your child. The camera may come close to your child while taking pictures, but will never touch them. An X-ray technologist or doctor (radiologist) takes the X-ray pictures.
  • A special clear liquid is used to fill your child's bladder through the catheter. We can see this “special water” on the X-ray pictures.
  • When your child's bladder is full, they urinate into a urinal, bedpan, pads or towels, while still having pictures taken on the X-ray table. We may ask your child to urinate with the catheter still in place so we can measure the bladder pressure. The doctor may need to refill your child's bladder if more pictures are needed.
  • As your child urinates for the final time, the tape, urine catheter, rectal catheter and EMG patches are removed.
  • You may stay close to your child during the entire test, holding hands, talking and providing comfort.

After the Test

  • After all the pictures are taken, you may clean your child with washcloths and towels and then get redressed. There is a private restroom in the X-ray room for you to use.
  • Your child may return to normal daily activities.
  • After having a urinary catheter (tube), your child's urine may appear pink the first time they urinate. This is caused by a small amount of blood in the urine. This is normal. If it happens for longer than 24 hours or your child has trouble urinating, call your child's doctor.
  • After the test, encourage your child to drink extra fluids in order to urinate more often. This will help with any uncomfortable feelings or burning that can occur after having a catheter.
  • The results from this test are sent to your child's doctor. The doctor will discuss the results with you at your follow-up appointment.