| A Urodynamics evaluation usually includes the following tests: |
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Flow Rate |
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A flow rate is done simply by asking you to void into a special toilet
which records the pattern of your urine stream on a graph and the amount of urine you void. Muscle
activity in your pelvis will usually be recorded while you void via electrodes. The amount of urine
left in your bladder after you void (residual urine) will also be measured at this time.
It is important that you do not have a bowel movement into the special toilet during the flow rate test. |
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Residual Urine |
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This test measures the volume of urine remaining in the bladder after you empty it; it is determined by inserting a small flexible catheter into the bladder, allowing the urine to drain and then measuring the amount |
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Cystometry |
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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” – contracts on its own. To determine this, one catheter is inserted into your rectum and another is put into your bladder. For the purposes of the test, your bladder is filled with sterile water using the catheter. It is much quicker to fill this way instead of waiting until your bladder fills on its own. You will be asked to verbalize when you first feel the urge to urinate and when the urge is maximum. You will also be asked to urinate. Pressures will be recorded throughout the procedure. |
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The Sphincter Electromyogram (EMG) |
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The EMG is done to show us how well your sphincter (outlet)
muscles are working and if they are working in a coordinated fashion with your bladder. Normally this should
happen: when your bladder muscle contracts to empty, your sphincter muscles should relax to allow the urine to
pass easily. This muscle activity will be measured by small electrodes applied to the skin around your rectum. |
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| What is Going to Happen During the Test? |
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After we ask you to change clothing, we will have you empty
your bladder in a special chair, A nurse will place a small tube, called a catheter, into your bladder.
This catheter will be used to fill your bladder with water. Another catheter will measure the movement of
the muscle surrounding your bladder and will be placed either vaginally or in your rectum. We will also be
able to monitor the sphincter muscle and its ability to hold urine in your bladder. Any discomfort you may
feel during the test will go away within minutes.
As your bladder is being filled with water through the catheter, you will tell the nurse what your bladder
feels like. When your bladder is full, the nurse will tell you when to empty it. The entire test will be
recorded on the computer, and you can watch it on a screen as it is occurring. We will explain everything
to you throughout the test. |
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| Risks and Complications of Urodynamics Studies |
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| Urodynamics studies involve the insertion of catheters. The risks of catheterization are infection, urethral trauma and bleeding. It is not necessary to treat infections prophylactically since they infrequently occur, but they will be treated as symptoms occur. |
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| The catheters will be taken out when the test is over. You may have a little discomfort, burning with urination and some increased frequency with urination for a short time. You may also experience blood in your urine. A warm tub bath will help to ease any discomfort. Drink lots of fluid, at least 8 to 10 glasses a day. Water is best and will help alleviate discomfort. You may continue your diet, medications and activities as normal, unless given other instructions by your doctor. |
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