Urology

Urodynamics is the study of how the body stores and releases 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
• recurrent urinary tract infections

Urodynamics Testing  

A urodynamic test is a procedures designed to provide information about a bladder problem. The type of test you take depends on your problem.

Uroflowmetry – This test measures the amount of urine and the flow rate (how fast the urine comes out). You may be asked to urinate privately into a toilet that contains a collection device and scale. 

Cystometry – This test 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. The doctor or nurse will use a catheter to empty your bladder completely. Then a special, smaller catheter with a pressure-measuring tube called a cystometer will be used to fill your bladder slowly with warm water. Another catheter may be placed in the rectum to record pressure there as well. You will be asked how your bladder feels and when you feel the need to urinate. The volume of water and the bladder pressure will be recorded. You may be asked to cough or strain during this procedure. Involuntary bladder contractions can be identified. 

Urethral Pressure Profile – This procedure measures the differnent pressures in your urethra as a catheter is slowly removed from the bladder.

Pressure Flow Study – For this test, you will be asked to empty your bladder so that a catheter can measure the pressures required to urinate. The pressure flow study helps to identify bladder outlet obstruction.

Source: NIDDK ( http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov)