Introduction
Urodynamic investigations look at the function of your bladder and its relationship to the pelvic floor and their organs. The test is usually performed by the Urogynaecology Nurse Specialist and will provide your Clinical team with information on how your bladder fills and stores urine; and subsequently empties. You will need to provide verbal consent, and a chaperone will be with you throughout the procedure.
Before you arrive
Please complete the fluid / bladder diary. Without it, it is unlikely we will be able to continue with the invasive part of the test as this provides valuable information regarding your normal bladder capacity.
It is important to be as accurate as possible with your measurements and fluid intake needs to reflect your normal day-to-day habits. This will help us to see how your bladder functions in everyday life. We will use this information alongside your symptoms and the results of test.
The following medications may affect test results.
PLEASE STOP TAKING THEM TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN ADVISED OTHERWISE.
- Tolterodine / Detrusitol
- Fesoterodine / Toviaz
- Trospium Chloride / Regurin
- Darifenacin / Emselex
- Propiverine / Detrunorm
- Solifenacin / Vesicare
- Oxybutynin / Ditropan / Lyrinel / Kentera patch
- Mirabegron / Vibegron
DO NOT STOP ANY OTHER PRESCRIBED MEDICINES INCLUDING DIURETICS, HRT OR VAGINAL OESTROGENS
Some other medications that may need to be stopped but this is only if you have been prescribed them solely for your bladder symptoms. Please do not stop these without discussing with the clinical staff first.
- Duloxetine / Yentreve - must be reduced slowly over 4 weeks
PLEASE NOTE should NOT be stopped if prescribed for non-bladder related conditions.
- Amitriptyline - must be reduced slowly over 4 weeks
PLEASE NOTE - should NOT be stopped if prescribed for non-bladder related conditions.
We are unable to perform the test if you have a urine infection. If you suspect that you have an infection, please visit your GP and have your urine tested and, if necessary, treated. We will re-book the appointment once the infection has cleared.
The test can be performed if you are having a period but if you prefer, can be rebooked. Tampons will need to be removed prior to the test.
You may eat normally prior to the test. The test takes approximately 45 minutes. Please remember to arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
When you arrive
Your clinician will go through your history, symptoms and check the fluid chart. They will explain the test and provide time if you have any questions
Test Procedure
You will be asked to empty your bladder into a special commode (flowmeter) - in private - to assess your urinary flow. Your urine is tested to exclude urinary infection and any other abnormalities. Once you have emptied your bladder, you will need to remove your lower clothing, lie on a couch and a small towel will be provided to keep yourself covered. Assistance will be available if required.
Once you are comfortable on the couch, a small sterile catheter, with a pressure line connected to it, will be passed into your bladder via the urethra (water pipe). A second small pressure line is inserted into your back passage, or vagina. This is to measure the pressure within your abdomen. Having these tubes inserted is not painful but you may find this a little uncomfortable. Local anaesthetic is not normally needed.
Once the lines are in place, they are flushed with sterile water and connected to a machine that will record the behaviour of your bladder as it is filled with sterile fluid via the catheter. During the filling of your bladder, you will then be asked to provide feedback on your bladder sensations.
When your bladder is comfortably full, the filling catheter is removed leaving the pressure lines in place. To replicate your bladder symptoms, you will be asked to do a set of provocative manoeuvres. These commonly include standing, coughing, bearing down and listening to running water to test the bladder further. You will then be asked to pass the fluid in your bladder into the flowmeter. Once you have emptied your bladder, both pressure lines from the bladder and back passage are then removed. You will then be able to redress.
During the investigation, every effort is made to ensure a minimum of discomfort and a maximum of privacy. With your consent, a doctor / nurse who is training in Urodynamics may be present.
Following the test
The results of the investigation will be explained to you and a plan for ongoing care or investigation is arranged.
You may find passing urine slightly uncomfortable and more frequent for the next day or two. We recommend that you increase your fluid intake for the following 24-48 hours. This will help flush out your bladder and minimise your risk of urinary infection. Should you develop a burning sensation on passing urine that does not subside after 48hours and / or a fever, you may have developed a urine infection. You should contact your GP surgery and inform them that you have recently had a Urodynamics test. A course of antibiotics may be necessary.
Contact Information
This information is intended to give you additional information to that received from a healthcare professional.
If you would like any further information, or would like to discuss the test, please contact:
Urogynaecology Clinical Coordinator / Clinical Nurse Specialist
01932 722124
