Urodynamics Assessment

Urodynamic assessment is a specialised method of assessing bladder function.  The equipment is connected to a computer, which is used to measure, integrate and correlate urine flow rate, bladder capacity and bladder activity.  

The assessment is:  

• relatively inexpensive,  

• takes approximately 30 minutes, 

• does not require the use of drugs, and  

• does not require a general anaesthetic.  

• You will be able to drive home  

Donna, our nurse, will request that you change into a gown and then you will sit on a special commode to empty your bladder. At this stage, both flow rate and volume will be recorded on the machine.  

You will then lay down on a bed and the nurse will pass a fine catheter into the bladder, to drain any urine that may be left. This enables us to check you are adequately emptying your bladder.  

The catheter is left in place and connected to a bag of sterile salty water. During the next 15-minutes your bladder will be slowly filled and the muscle activity in the bladder recorded. Another small catheter is placed in the back passage to measure pressure. All catheters are placed at the same time and this may involve some mild discomfort. 

Donna will be asked you some questions as the bladder is filling.  When you are feeling full, you will be asked to void again. Once voiding is completed, you can then lie back on the bed and the remaining catheters will be removed.  On completion of the procedure, you will change back into your own clothes.  I will then discuss the results of the investigation with you.