Urodynamic
Testing
Your physician has requested that you have a Urodynamic
evaluation. A urodynamic study is simply a combination of several
tests which provide information about your lower urinary tract. By
measuring volumes and pressures, urodynamic testing "draws a
picture" for your physician of what happens when your bladder
fills up and when it empties.
Preparation for Urodynamics: - You can eat and drink as normal for the testing. Do not over drink.
You will be asked to come with a full bladder, so do not empty your
bladder right before you leave the house.
- If you wear padding, external catheters, etc., you may want to bring
extra supplies for after the testing.
- Certain bladder medications may alter the testing. You may be asked
to stop these medications for 2-3 days prior to the test.
- Please bring a list of your current medications and any surgeries
that you have had with you.
- Depending on the ordering physician, an antibiotic injection or pill
will be given before or after the Urodynamic testing.
What are the Components of Urodynamics?
There are several components of Urodynamic testing. Your physician
may order some or all of them. They include: Cystometrogram, Urethral
pressure, flow rate, residual urine, and electromyography. These
components are separated to explain them, but are all done simultaneously.
Cystometry:
This test tells the physician about the pressures in your bladder
in relationship to volume. It helps the physician see how your bladder
reacts to being full and whether it is irritable and contracts on
its own. To determine this a small, pediatric size catheter is inserted
into your bladder and another is placed in the rectum. Your bladder
is then filled with sterile water through the catheter. You will
be asked to verbalize when you feel the urge to urinate and when
that urge is maximum. Different maneuvers may be asked of you to
test for urinary leaking. You will be asked to urinate with the catheter
in place when your bladder is full. Pressures will be recorded throughout
this procedure.
Urethral Pressure Profile:
During the cystometrogram, one part of the specialized catheter will
be recording pressures in your urethra (tube from the bladder to
the outside). This helps determine at what pressure urinary incontinence
is observed.
Flow Rate:
This test gives information about the rate of flow of your urine.
It determines if your flow rate is normal compared to the amount
of pressure your bladder generates when voiding occurs.
Residual Urine:
This test measures the volume of urine remaining in your bladder
after you empty it.
Electromyography:
This test shows the electrical activity generated by the urinary
sphincter muscle itself in response to a full bladder and to voiding.
This gives information about the nerves in this area. Small EKG patches
are placed around the rectal opening to monitor this.
Does it hurt?
Insertion of catheters may be minimally uncomfortable, but not painful.
How long does it take?
Depending on the number of components ordered, the testing may take
anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
For more information or for an appointment, please call The Continence Center:
Phone: (941) 917-2365
FAX: (941) 917-7132
Location: 1921 Waldemere Street, Suite 401, Waldemere Medical Plaza
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