Here are some definitions that I have written down. I'm sure many of these you already know but it's always good to have a copy of them, just in case:
Voiding CystoUrethrogram-VCUG: This is a bladder x-ray that takes moving pictures. This study gives important information regarding the shape and size of the bladder, the bladder neck (or opening) and the tubes that drain the urine from the kidneys into the bladder, called ureters. A small catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra opening. A special fluid (contrast media) via a catheter flows into the bladder, then x-rays are taken. This checks to see if the fluid backs up when the bladder is full or when the child urinates.
Radio Nuclide Cyctogram-RNC: This is similar to the VCUG except a different fluid is passed through the catheter and is used for an annual follow up of a child with reflux.
Intravenous Pyelogram-IVP: An IVP is an x-ray of the kidneys. A small amount of special liquid, called contrast, is given through a needle into the vein of the child's arm. The liquid outlines the urinary tract on the x-ray. It is passed out of the body with the urine. The x-ray shows how well the kidneys drain urine and if there are any problems such as blockage or swelling.
DMSA Scan: This test is similar to an IVP and looks for kidney function and scarring.
Kidney sonogram (ultrasound) or Renal Ultra Sound-RUS: This looks at the kidneys. Special jelly is put on the belly and a microphone is passed over the kidneys, taking sound wave pictures and showing them on a screen. This doesn't show reflux but can show how the kidneys are growing.
Cystometrogram-CMG: Measures the volume (capacity) of the bladder and bladder pressure during filling and at capacity. This helps determine if the pressure is within a safe range and if the capacity is adequate. It also indicates sensation levels during filling.
Urethral Pressure Profile-UPP: This study
is done to determine the strength and length of the urinary sphincter, a muscle, which
normally holds urine in the bladder during filling by contracting and allows urine to
leave the bladder when it opens (relaxes).
Some definitions of medical terms:
Artificial Urinary Sphincter: A surgical procedure whereby a small fluid filled cuff is placed around the neck of the urethra. A pump is also inserted which when activated, releases the pressure of the cuff allowing urine to flow.
Bladder Augmentation: A surgical procedure in
which a section of the bowel is cut away and sewn onto a surgical opening in the bladder
to create a larger bladder with increased capacity.
Culture: Determines the presence of germs in the urine. If present,
antibiotic sensitivity (what will kill the germs) is determined.
Mace (or ACE): A creation of a stoma (opening) for
easy access into the large bowel in order to irrigate (washout) the bowel. The appendix is
often used as the duct between the opening and the bowel.
Megacolon: An overstretched piece of bowel due to a blockage such as constipation.
Neurogenic bladder: Lack of voluntary control of
holding and releasing urine, due to nerve damage to the bladder.
Neurogenic bowel: Loss of normal bowel function due to damage of the
nervous system.
Orchiopexy - Surgical fixation of an undescended testicle.
Perineal urthrostomy: The creation of an opening for the urethra in the perineum for ease of catheterization.
Sphincter: A muscle that circles the bladder opening and controls the flow of urine out of the bladder.
Urethra: Tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Urethral meatus: The small opening of the urethra on the outside of the body.
Ureter: The tube which connects the kidney to the
bladder.
Urinary obstruction: Blockages to urinary flow may occur at many sites in
the urinary tract. Blockages usually occur if the ureter or urethra is too narrow or a
kidney stone at some point stops the urinary flow from leaving the body. Occasionally, the
ureter may join the kidney or bladder at the wrong place, preventing urine from leaving
the kidney in a normal way.
Vesicoureteral reflux: Urine
normally flows from the kidneys down the ureters to the bladder in one direction. With
reflux, when the bladder fills, the urine may also flow backward from the bladder up the
ureters to the kidneys. This abnormality is common in children with urinary infections.
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