You will undergo a CT scan specific for evaluation of the urinary tract, also referred to as “CT-IVU (Intravenous Urography)” which will allow us to evaluate the kidneys and ureters (the ducts which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). Once you have changed into your gown, you will have a cannula inserted into a vein in your arm. A CT radiographer will then inject a small amount of intravenous contrast fluid into your vein. This injection may make you feel hot and flushed but this will quickly pass within a few minutes. After about 15 minutes, you will proceed to have a CT scan and a second injection of intravenous contrast is given. The contrast will be excreted into your urine and thus outline the urinary tract. A Radiologist will view your CT images and create a report for the Urologist.

This test is an examination of the bladder with a small flexible camera lasting a few minutes. It is only mildly uncomfortable and is generally well tolerated by most people. During the flexible cystoscopy the Urologist will insert the small camera into your bladder via the urethra (the water pipe leading to the bladder). A local anaesthetic jelly will be used to numb and lubricate the urethra to make passage of the scope into the bladder as comfortable as possible. Attached to the scope is a telescopic lens, a light source and some sterile water to fill your bladder so the lining can be inspected. Once the examination is completed the scope will be removed and you will be able to walk to the toilet and pass the fluid that has been used to fill your bladder, just as if you were passing urine.

This term means blood in the urine and may be the result of inflammation or other problems with your kidneys, blockages in your ureter, infection or other problems with your bladder or problems with your prostate.