Urodynamics

ABOUT URODYNAMICS

What is urodynamics?

Urodynamics is the study of lower urinary tract function and how this relates to the person’s urinary symptoms. It is a scientific study to assess abnormalities of the urinary tract function.

 

Urodynamics aims to help diagnose the underlying cause of the problems you are experiencing so that medical management can be directed to help the underlying cause.

 

Common urodynamic tests include:

    • Uroflowmetry (flow rate) – a non-invasive test to measure how fast the bladder empties.
    • Cystometrogram (CMG) – a test to measure the pressure in the bladder when it is filling and emptying.
    • Bladder scan – an ultrasound to measure the quantity of urine in the bladder.

 

Sometimes a flexible cystoscopy, which is a procedure to look into the bladder by passing a telescope through the urethra (the tube you pass urine through), is done in conjunction with urodynamics.

 

A cystoscopy is performed to visually examine the bladder and urethra.

 

Why is urodynamics required?

Urodynamics is used to assess incontinence, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, poor flow and poor bladder emptying.

Draft -Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is lack of voluntary control over urination.
PATIENT JOURNEY

What does urodynamics involve?

Prior to the study a urine test is required to ensure that there is no infection present that may alter the results.

 

We need you to be awake for this procedure as your feedback and co-operation is required.

 

You can eat and drink as you normally would on the day of the study.

 

On arrival we will request you empty your bladder into a special machine to perform the flow rate.

What does urodynamics involve?

Fine lubricated catheter tubes will then be inserted into the bladder and back passage. These tubes are essential as they measure the pressure inside of the bladder. This is generally the part most people find embarrassing.

 

Cystometrogram (CMG):

Filling Stage: The bladder will then be slowly filled. If imaging is required, a contrast dye will be used to fill the bladder. This allows your bladder to be seen on x-ray and your doctor can see how your bladder responds to being filled with fluid. During this filling phase we ask you to cough and inform us of what you are feeling.

 

This stage allows an assessment of the storage function of the bladder.

What does urodynamics involve?

Emptying Stage: Next we ask you to empty your bladder again while measuring the pressure inside your bladder. Following this we do an ultrasound (bladder scan) to see how much urine is left in the bladder.

 

The emptying stage provides an assessment of the voiding function of your bladder.

 

What is the recovery after urodynamics?

There are no restrictions following urodynamics.

 

You may return to work straight away if desired.

OUR TEAM

The following doctors in our practice perform urodynamics:

Dr Katherine Gray

Dr Katherine Gray

Urologist

Book an appointment

Book an appointment to discuss this procedure with one of our doctors.