Urodynamic examination

Urodynamic examination – diagnostics of the bladder and urethra

Urodynamic testing is a specialized diagnostic procedure that assesses the functioning of the lower urinary tract – the bladder and urethra. Manacel assesses the dynamics of the bladder and urine flow through the urethra.

Urodynamic tests can be used to determine the pressure in the bladder during filling and measure changes in the pressure value in the bladder during urination.

Indications for performing a urodynamic test

Urodynamic testing helps determine the causes of symptoms such as:

urinary incontinence,
urgent or frequent urge to urinate,
difficulty initiating micturition,
interrupted or weakened urine stream,
retention of urine after urination,
recurrent urinary tract infections,
suspected bladder obstruction (e.g. in benign prostatic hyperplasia).

Who undergoes a urodynamic examination?

Men with symptoms of prostate enlargement, whose test results do not clearly qualify for surgery.
Patients scheduled for prostate surgery (e.g. TURP, HoLEP, adenomectomy) to predict treatment outcomes.
Women with stress urinary incontinence or urge incontinence.
People with symptoms of overactive bladder (frequent urination, urgency, urinary incontinence).
People with symptoms of bladder failure and post-micturition residual urine.
Patients with bladder dysfunction secondary to diseases or injuries of the nervous system (e.g. multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, meningomyelocele).

What does a urodynamic test look like?

1. Patient preparation

The patient is informed about the course of the examination and assumes a lying or sitting position.

2. Catheter insertion

A thin, disposable catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to measure pressure and fill the bladder. A second catheter with a balloon is placed in the rectum to measure abdominal pressure.

3. Electrode placement

Electrodes are glued around the anus to record the activity of the external sphincters.

4. Filling the bladder

The bladder is slowly filled with sterile fluid at room temperature. During filling, pressures in the bladder and abdominal cavity are recorded.

5. Observation of the body's reaction

The patient is asked to perform specific activities, such as coughing, changing position, or straining, to assess the function of the bladder and pelvic floor muscles.

6. Micturition (urination)

When the patient reports a strong urge, bladder filling is stopped. The patient then urinates into the flow meter while sitting or standing (in men).

7. End of study

Once the bladder is empty, the catheters and electrodes are removed. The entire test usually takes 30-60 minutes. If discomfort occurs, it can be stopped at the patient's request.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a urodynamic test painful?

It is not painful. It may be slightly uncomfortable due to the presence of catheters, but it does not cause pain. Thin, flexible probes are used, and the entire procedure is carried out in conditions that provide maximum comfort and privacy to the patient.

How to prepare?

Before the test, you should:

keep a micturition diary for 3 consecutive days. The attending physician will provide a template for such a diary and explain how it should be kept,
perform a general examination and urine culture. In the case of a positive result, a urodynamic test is usually not performed. The fact of a positive result should be reported by phone,
pass stools normally. In the case of constipation, a glycerin suppository can be taken the evening before the test. Do not use laxatives,
eat light meals normally. The test is not performed on an empty stomach,
report with a full bladder, if possible,
women can remove pubic hair,
provide full medical documentation in paper form.

Who performs a urodynamic examination?

A urodynamic test is usually performed by a doctor, but it can also be performed by a nurse under the supervision of a doctor, using specialist diagnostic equipment. The results are interpreted by a urologist, who makes a preliminary diagnosis and proposes treatment or possibly refers the patient for additional tests.

Is urodynamic testing safe?

Yes, it is a safe and routinely performed procedure. The risk of complications is minimal. In rare cases, there may be short-term irritation of the urethra or minor bleeding.

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Why is it worth undergoing a urodynamic test at Optima Clinic?

An experienced team of urologists and diagnosticians

Modern diagnostic equipment

Individual approach to the patient

Safe care before, during and after the procedure

Make an appointment and benefit from the experience of doctors you can trust.

Address

ul. Tęczowa 83W
53-601 Wrocław

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Contact

500 620 900
71 308 43 00

info@optima.clinic

Urodynamic examination