Gynaecology - Urodynamics

Introduction

You have been referred by your doctor for urodynamic studies.

Urodynamics is a test, which investigates how well your bladder is working. This booklet is designed to explain the test and answer some of your questions.

Why is urodynamics performed?

Urodynamics are usually performed to investigate why some women experience leakage of urine.

• It can also help show why some women have difficulty emptying their bladder completely
• It can also be useful in planning the treatment for women with a prolapse
• The tests help the doctor to plan effective treatment for you

What are the alternatives to having urodynamics?

The alternative is not to have the test. Urodynamic tests are needed to decide on treatments aimed at improving your quality of life rather than improving your life expectancy.

You do not have to have the test or treatment if you prefer to live with your symptoms or if you do not want to consider surgery. However, some types of surgery will not be offered without the results of urodynamics.

How long is the test?

The test itself takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, but you should allow 1 hour for the appointment.

How do I prepare for the test?

As part of the test, you should receive a BLADDER CHART to complete.

It is very important that you read this carefully and fill out the chart as directed, as it will help the doctor who performs your test to understand how your bladder works.

If you are on medication for your bladder, it is helpful if you complete this chart while on the medication.

Please bring the completed chart to your appointment.

Please bring a sample of urine with you.

It is very important that you come to your appointment with a comfortably full bladder, as you need to pass urine for the first part of the urodynamic test. PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THE TOILET WITHOUT SPEAKING TO THE NURSE IN CLINIC.
 
If you are taking any of the following medication you will need to stop this, one week before the test:

• Oxybutynin (Cystrin, Ditropan, Kentera, Lyrinel XL)
• Tolterodine (Detrusitol)
• Trospium Chloride (Regurin)
• Solifenacin (Vesicare)
• Flavoxate (Urispas)
• Fesoterodine (Toviaz)
• Darifenacin (Emselex)
• Propiverine (Detrunorm)
• Mirabegron (Betmiga)
• Duloxetine (Yentreve) please speak with your GP as you need to reduce dosage gradually before you stop this medication due to the possible side effects

What does the test involve?

On arrival you will be introduced to the nurse in the clinic who will take you into a changing area. You will then be asked to undress from the waist downwards and put on a gown. You will then be taken into the urodynamics room.

You will be asked to pass urine into a special commode which measures the speed of urine flow. After this, you will then be asked to lie on an examination couch. You may have a bladder scan at this point to check if you have emptied your bladder completely.

The nurse will then pass two fine catheters or tubes. One will be inserted into your rectum (back passage). The other will be inserted into the bladder through the urethra (the opening through which urine flows).

Your bladder will be filled with fluid until it is full. Whilst your bladder is being filled the nurse or doctor will be asking you questions.

You will be asked to tell staff when you feel the desire to go to the toilet. Once your bladder is full, no more fluid will be put into your bladder. The nurse will then ask you to stand up.

You will then be asked to perform some simple exercises to assess how your bladder copes.

Please do not worry about any leakage as it is the clear fluid we have put into your bladder and it will help us to understand the cause of your problem.

You will then be asked to empty your bladder with the catheters still in place. Once this has been completed, the catheters will be removed. An internal examination may be necessary.

Will I be told the results of my test?

The results of the test will usually be discussed with you before you go home.

Are there any risks having urodynamic tests?

There is a small risk of urinary tract infections from the test. Some burning may be normal for a day or so after the test.

Drink plenty of water for the next 24 hours, this will help prevent infection.

Please contact your GP if you think you have an infection and they will treat you accordingly.

Contact

Please contact the Urogynaecology Nurse Specialist at Salford Royal Hospital on 0161 206 1681.