Cystometry:
The patient will be accompanied to a quiet room with a nurse and attending urologist.
In a lying position, a small catheter is inserted in the urethra with the application of a local anaesthetic gel. Another catheter will be placed in the rectum. Both catheters will be securely taped to the body.
Both catheters measure the pressure in the bladder and abdomen, with the traces being reflected on the computer screen.
Sensing electrodes may be placed near the rectum to monitor the activity of the pelvic muscles.
The patient may be asked to stand up or sit down during the study, and adjustments to the position may be requested as needed.
Using the catheter, the bladder will be filled with a sterile saline fluid and the patient will be asked to cough or bear down to test the bladder reaction throughout the test.
The doctor checks for any urine leakage and assess if these is any abnormal urge to urinate.
One the bladder is completely full, the patient will be asked to empty it while the pressure is being recorded, facilitated by the urethral catheter.
Uroflowmetry:
The urinary flow will be recorded and the patient may be asked to perform certain actions to assist in the flow.
The residual urine volume will be measured.
At the end of the cystometry test, the catheters and sensors are removed.
Risks
UDS/VUDS is generally a safe and well-tolerated study.
Sudden high blood pressure (autonomic dysreflexia)- Rare
Some patients with neurological conditions (eg spinal cord injury) have a risk of sudden high blood pressure (autonomic dysreflexia) during UDS. It is a sudden and exaggerated automatic response to various stimuli in patients with spinal cord injury or spinal dysfunction. Sudden high blood pressure can be life-threatening if not properly managed. We will need to closely monitor the blood pressure of these patients during the tests. Please let your urologist know if you have any spinal cord injuries or concerns.
Follow-up
Right after the tests are done, your doctor will discuss the results with you, and any further treatment you may need.
Drink plenty of liquids after the tests to reduce discomfort while urinating.
