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Urology  (Expert Forum)
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VCUG traumatized my toddler
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.

VCUG traumatized my toddler

by keish33, May 31, 2007 12:00AM
My 22month-old-daughter had a VCUG last week because she had a UTI recently.  After my pediatrician and a radiology-tech explained the procedure to me, I understood that it was going to be uncomfortable, unpleasant, and not an easy experience for my daughter or myself; I was prepared for her to be upset and to comfort her.  
I wasn't prepared for the amount of pain she appeared to be in when the procedure was attempted.  She is normally an easy-going-child, but she freaked out.  It was if someone was stabbing her.  Two techs, the radiologist, and I held her down.  The radiologist made three attempts to catheterize her, each escalated her obvious pain. It is my understanding that the catheter kept coming out because of her movement.  The procedure wasn't completed. The attempted procedure lasted for about five minutes.
Now, every time we try to change her diaper or clean her, she cries and says, "Don't hurt me!" and kicks, etc.  She seems traumatized by the VCUG.  We aren't sure if it's psychological or if she is in pain.  She doesn't appear to have pain when she urinates and doesn't compain any other time except when we change her.  
I am wondering what your opinion is.  Is this normal?  Did the doctor do something wrong?  What can we do to help our daughter recover from this negative experience?  
Thank you so much for your time and advice.

by Forum-M.D.-, Jun 01, 2007 12:00AM
A VCUG is not a comfortable test for a patient that young, and they may have different responses to the experience.  That being said, there is no 'normal' reaction to the procedure.  

How to handle it is out of my realm here (this being a urology forum), and may be better handled by your pediatrician.  

Giving sedating medications prior to the procedure may help should it need to be done again - but I would check with your pediatrician first.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
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