Urodynamics

Urodynamics is the study of the bladder's ability to hold urine and empty it in a normal fashion.

It is carried out on both male and female patients.

If you are undergoing Urodynamic studies it is likely that you have some of the following symptoms:

  • Discomfort of passing urine;
  • Urgency of urination where you have to hurry to the toilet;
  • Stress incontinence where urine leaks out with cough, laugh or sneeze;
  • Complete incontinence where the urine leaks all the time;
  • A decrease in the flow of urination;
  • A decrease in the ability to stop urinating;
  • Irregular urination;
  • Bedwetting.

A Urodynamic study combines imaging of the urinary tract which will be carried out with an ultrasound and a computerised study of the bladder muscle and its ability to hold and pass urine.

It is not necessary to fast for this procedure as the patient does not undergo a general anaesthetic.

PLEASE NOTE for Female patients: If you think you have a urine infection or vaginal infection please contact our office as you may need antibiotics prior to the procedure and it may need to be postponed to a later date.

Procedure

The procedure is carried out by a Doctor or Nurse.

  1. The patient will be asked to empty the bladder before the procedure takes place.
  2. The bladder will be imaged with an ultrasound.
  3. Two small catheters (tubes) are inserted through the normal passage to the bladder.
  4. One of these is used to run liquid into the bladder to measure the bladder's capacity and the other tube will measure the bladder pressure.
  5. The patient will be asked to tell the Nurse when the sensation of fluid flowing into the bladder is felt.
  6. The patient will then be asked to tell the Operator when the sensation of needing to pass urine is felt and thirdly when the bladder feels full and cannot hold any more. At all times it is very important that the patient should tell the Operator if it feels that the water is leaking out.
  7. A small balloon type catheter is placed in the rectum (back passage) in order to measure the pressure inside the abdomen. The computer can then calculate the true bladder pressure.
  8. When the bladder feels full the examination table will be tilted to various angles to see if there is any leakage of fluid.
  9. The filling tube will be removed then the patient will be asked to pass urine into the funnel under the table in to toilet which will measure the bladder pressure and rate of flow of urine in order that the computer can calculate as to whether the bladder has a normal emptying capability.
  10. After the procedure a printout of the results will be available and they will be discussed with the patient.

After The Procedure

The patient should drink 2-3 litres of fluid per day as not only does this help keep the urine clear and reduce the discomfort, it has a mechanical effect of assisting to wash away any possible infection.

The patient should avoid drinking more than 2 or 3 standard measures of tea, coffee or cola drinks as these contain caffeine and may cause bladder irritation.

It is a good idea to continue to keep bowels moving regularly as sluggishness of the bowels effects the ability to urinate. Alcohol should be avoided for the next two days after the procedure as it may cause irritation.

Referring Doctor

The referring Doctor or General Practitioner will receive a report on the procedure.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK THE DOCTOR BEFORE THE PROCEDURE.