[The technical aspects of video cystourethrosonography]

Analysis of major methodological aspects of real time ultrasound examination of a male's vesical neck and urethra, known as video cysto-urethro-sonography (VCUS). Consideration must be given, when studying the posterior urethra, to the need of suitable vesical repletion, as well as to the existence of two likely limitations for conducting the test, such as: major anal stenosis, which would prevent introduction of the transrectal transducer; and inhibition of the voiding urge referred by some patients when they have to urinate in uncomfortable circumstances. As for the study of the anterior urethra, the most interesting technical items are: avoidance of air bubbles entering with the physiologic serum, which could artefact the examination; nonexertion of excessive compression on the urethra with the transducer, which may lead to false stenosis; and understanding that a major meatus stenosis may preclude test completion due to impossibility of introduction of Foley's catheter, necessary to obtain backward urethral distension with physiologic serum.