What are Urodynamics and Uroflowmetry?
Uroflowmetry is a test which shows the flow of urine, especially its speed. This helps in determining if there is an obstruction to the flow of urine in the urethra. In older men this may be due to a large prostate. In Children it may be due to congenital anomalies or previous surgery.
Urodynamics (UDS) is a functional study of the urinary bladder which tells us if the bladder is able to store urine to its expected capacity and at a normal pressure. It also tells us if the person can feel when the bladder is full, then develop and urge and finally pass urine with the correct bladder pressure and urine flow. All this while the muscles of the perineum are also tested for any incoordination. Abnormal storage capacities or pressure may be due to a blockage to urine flow or developmental anomalies. Abnormal passing of urine by incoordination can be due to pregnancy, nerve damage or spinal problems. Low bladder pressures during passing urine could be due to bladder fatigue after long term prostate problems.
Video urodynamics (video UDS) involves studying the bladder anatomy in addition to the function. During this, the bladder is filled with a water soluble contrast instead of saline and intermittent x-rays are taken to know the shape and size of the bladder along with any anomalies such as reflux or leakage. This is not suitable for pregnant women.
The choice of study is decided by our team after speaking with your referring doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mentioned below are answers to the FAQ's related to Urodynamics and Video-Urodynamics.
Uroflowmetry is a simple test wherein the person/child has to pass urine in a funnel-shaped toilet designed for this purpose. This takes about 5 minutes.
Urodynamics involves passage of catheters (fine tubes) into the urinary bladder and rectum to measure pressures while the bladder is filled with saline and then as it empties. This takes about 1-2 hours for standard urodynamics and longer if video or ambulatory UDS is required.
- PLEASE PRINT AND FILL THE CHECKLIST
- Bring all reports and doctor’s consultation notes.
- Please bring a bladder diary kept for 24 hours before the test
- The person/child can eat and drink as normal.
- If the person/child suffers from constipation then please take medication for that daily for one week as constipation will interfere with the test
- If there is no sensation to pass urine, you may be asked to drink plenty of fluids before the tests.
- You may be asked to take antibiotics if you have a history of urinary infections.
The report will be discussed with your doctor and be made available within 48 hours. It can be sent to you by email.
You may need antibiotics if you have a history of urinary infections, please inform us of the same.
Some discomfort in passing urine is possible if you have been catheterised. However, this resolves soon. If it causes stress/pain then you can take a sitz bath in which the lower half of the body is immersed in a warm tub of water for 15 mins.
Although this is rare, sometimes if the results do not match your symptoms or other investigations, we may repeat the test after one or two weeks to get a more accurate reading.
The costs are associated as such:
1. Uroflowmetry: Rs. 5,000/-
2. Urodynamics: Rs. 11,000/-
3. Video Urodynamics: Rs. 16,000/-