Urodynamics

Urodynamics is the investigation of the function of the lower urinary tract - the bladder and urethra - using physical measurements such as urine pressure and flow rate as well as clinical assessment.

Most urodynamic testing focuses on the bladder’s ability to empty steadily and completely. It can also show whether the bladder is having abnormal contractions that cause leakage.

Your doctor will want to know whether you have difficulty starting a urine stream, how hard you have to strain to maintain it, whether the stream is interrupted, and whether any urine is left in your bladder when you are done. The remaining urine is called the postvoid residual.

Urodynamic tests can range from simple observation to precise measurement using sophisticated instruments. This includes:

• Uroflowmetry - A uroflowmeter automatically measures the amount of urine and the flow rate—that is, how fast the urine comes out,
• Measurement of Postvoid Residual - To measure the urine still remaining in your bladder, the doctor or nurse may use a catheter, a thin tube that can be gently glided into the urethra,
• Cystometry - this measures how much your bladder can hold, how much pressure builds up inside your bladder as it stores urine, and how full it is when you feel the urge to urinate,
• Measurement of Leak Point Pressure,
• Pressure Flow Study,
• Electromyography - Measurement of Nerve Impulses, and
• Video Urodynamics - The pictures and videos show the size and shape of the urinary tract and help your doctor or nurse understand your problem

When do you need Urodynamics?

Problems in the urinary system can be caused by aging, illness, or injury. The muscles in and around your bladder and urethra tend to become weaker with age. Weak bladder muscles may result in your not being able to empty your bladder completely, leaving you at a higher risk for urinary tract infections.

Weak muscles of the sphincters and pelvis can lead to urinary incontinence because the sphincter muscles cannot remain tight enough to hold urine in the bladder, or the bladder does not have enough support from the pelvic muscles to stay in its proper position.

Urodynamics is a study that assesses how the bladder and urethra are performing their job of storing and releasing urine. Urodynamic tests help your doctor or nurse see how well your bladder and sphincter muscles work and can help explain symptoms such as:

• incontinence,
• frequent urination,
• sudden, strong urges to urinate,
• problems starting a urine stream,
• painful urination,
• problems emptying your bladder completely, and
• recurrent urinary tract infections

These tests may be as simple as urinating behind a curtain while a doctor or nurse listens or more complicated, involving imaging equipment that films urination and pressure monitors that record the pressures of the bladder and urethra.

What are the Risks in Urodynamics?

There are normally very few risks involved in urodynamics as long as the medical practitioner is clean and safe in order to avoid cross infection.

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