Ultrasound pictures of the kidneys and bladder are the most commonly obtained x-rays in children with bedwetting. Obtaining an ultrasound is easy, painless, and relatively inexpensive compared to other x-rays.
A child who has had a urinary tract infection should have an ultrasound to determine if the kidneys and bladder are normal. A bladder ultrasound is valuable in children with daytime potty problems. This will determine if a child completely empties his bladder and if there are any obvious abnormalities of the bladder.
X-rays that involve instilling dye through catheters (VCUG = voiding cystourethrogram) or injection of dye into a needle (IVP = intraveneous pyelogram) are used to better image the bladder, kidneys, and ureters (kidney tubes). These tests are more painful and expensive than ultrasound, and should only be performed in children with infections, abnormal ultrasounds, or difficult problems.
Dr. Smith is board certified and he has authored or co-authored many articles, papers, chapters, and books in Urology and Pediatric Urology. His research has been presented throughout the world. Dr. Smith’s dedication to helping children with urologic problems inspired him to establish PottyMD.