Urodynamics is a test of the function of your bladder.
This test provides objective data regarding your bladder’s capacity, compliance (elasticity) sensations, ability to store and also ability to empty. It also provides information regarding the condition of the urethral sphincter. This valuable information is interpreted by your physician to help determine the best treatment options for your specific condition. The test is performed in the office, taking approximately one hour.
Upon arrival into the urodynamic suite, a study of your bladder’s ability to empty will be performed. You will be asked to sit on a special chair. This chair has a sensor under it to measure important information. After you have voided in privacy, the specially trained aerodynamics nurse will come in to make an assessment of your bladder’s ability to empty.
The next part of the study is referred to as the “filling phase”. A small catheter is placed into the bladder and another into either in the vagina or rectum. These tiny catheters contain sensors to record information. The bladder is then filled with sterile fluid through the catheter. This is the portion of the study that records your bladder’s capacity, compliance and sensations. It also will tell your doctor if your bladder has signs of being “overactive”. You will be asked to cough and bear down during this portion of the study. The data will be interpreted by your doctor to determine your bladder’s ability to “store” and will give information regarding the cause of any incontinence. Measurements of the strength/tone of the urethra sphincter are also obtained.
The last portion of the study is referred to as the “emptying phase”. This allows your doctor to determine the mechanism and ability to empty your bladder. The information from your urodynamic study and cystourethroscopy along with findings from your physical examination will be analyzed by your doctor to determine the best treatment course.