FREQUENTLY  ASKED  QUESTIONS

What is Urodynamics?

A one hour outpatient diagnostic evaluation in which a measured amount of fluid is instilled through a tiny catheter in the urinary bladder to measure pressures in the bladder and/or urethra.  The test allows in depth evaluation of the urinary tract and reveals the causes for urinary leakage or blockage. 

What can the patient do to prepare for the study?

It is not necessary to fast the night before or take laxatives.  As long as the urine test is normal, the study is very safe and can be performed with minimal discomfort.  It is important to arrive with a full bladder since the patient will be asked to urinate in a special "flow rate" machine before the study.  The patient should remain calm and be attentive to the instructions given by the Nurse or Technician.  At least one nurse will be in the room during the entire study.  The patient should attempt to ignore their presence as much as possible.  Sedated and general anesthesia cannot be given as they can both affect the validity of the study. 

What will be done during the test?

The patient will need to undress and put on a gown.  A tiny catheter will then be placed by the nurse through the urethra into the urinary bladder.  In addition, a small catheter will be placed in the rectum.  Sometimes patch electrodes will be placed on the skin of the buttock area to measure the activity of the pelvic muscles.  Placement of the catheter in the rectum enhances the accuracy of the bladder measurements.  The study can be performed with the patient standing or sitting.  In select cases the study may be performed with the patient lying down.  A computer will record all of the measurements and a "tracing" will be generated. The physician will analyze and interpret the study based on the tracings information.

After Urodynamics, what can I expect?

Half an hour after the study, the patient will be discharged.  He or she may experience some burning when urinating for a few days; this is normal.  There may be some blood in the urine, but as long as large clots are not formed, the bleeding will abate if the patient drinks plenty of fluids.  The patient may immediately resume regular diet, medications, and normal activity levels.  The urologist will discuss the results with the patient after the study at the follow-up appointment.