Our urodynamic clinic that is run by specialised nurses and urologists provides detailed insight into how well the bladder, urethra, and sphincter muscles work together to store and release urine and are essential for diagnosing and managing various conditions that affect bladder control, urinary flow, and overall urinary health.
These tests are performed in a urology clinic and are minimally invasive, straightforward, and often completed within an hour.
Urodynamic testing involves a series of assessments designed to monitor how well the lower urinary tract functions, measure bladder pressure, the coordination of muscles used in urination. Urodynamic studies are especially valuable for patients experiencing symptoms such as incontinence, frequent or painful urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder.
Typical steps in a urodynamic study include:
The process is carefully monitored by a trained urologist or specialist nurse, who will guide the patient through each step to ensure comfort and accurate results.
Urodynamic testing is useful for diagnosing a range of urinary and bladder issues. Conditions commonly assessed in a urodynamic clinic include:
Urodynamic tests can help determine the type and cause of incontinence, such as stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or overflow incontinence.
This condition causes a frequent and sudden urge to urinate, often leading to incontinence. Urodynamic studies can help assess bladder function and urgency triggers.
For patients with nerve-related issues (such as those resulting from spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or diabetes), urodynamic testing can help identify abnormal bladder responses and guide management strategies.
Enlarged prostate or prostate surgery can impact urinary flow and bladder function. Urodynamic studies can help assess the impact of the prostate on urinary function.
A condition characterised by bladder pain and urinary urgency, IC can be evaluated with urodynamic testing to rule out other causes of bladder dysfunction.
Uroflowmetry measures the speed and volume of urine flow. This simple, non-invasive test involves urinating into a special device that captures and analyses the flow rate. It helps diagnose issues like weak bladder muscles or obstructions in the urethra.
This test measures the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination. It is commonly conducted using an ultrasound scan. High post-void residual volume may indicate incomplete bladder emptying due to muscle weakness or obstruction.
Cystometry evaluates the bladder’s capacity, elasticity, and pressure. A catheter is used to slowly fill the bladder while pressure sensors monitor how the bladder and muscles respond as it fills. This test helps in diagnosing conditions such as overactive bladder or weak bladder muscles.
A pressure-flow study assesses how well the bladder muscles and urethra work together during urination. The bladder is filled, and as the patient voids, the test measures the pressure needed to urinate and the flow rate. It can help diagnose obstructions, enlarged prostate, or muscle issues.
This test records the electrical activity of muscles used in urination, particularly the sphincter muscles. Small electrode patches or a needle sensor is used to monitor muscle signals, helping to identify nerve or muscle-related issues.
UPP measures pressure along the urethra and can identify any areas of resistance or dysfunction. It is especially useful for diagnosing stress urinary incontinence or assessing urethral function in patients with incontinence.
Urodynamic testing is carefully coordinated to ensure a comprehensive analysis of bladder function:
Results from these tests help pinpoint the cause of urinary issues and inform treatment decisions.
Urodynamic tests are generally well tolerated and cause minimal discomfort. Patients may experience a mild sensation of fullness during the bladder-filling phase. A local anaesthetic may be used to reduce discomfort from the catheter insertion.
After the procedure:
Urodynamic testing provides essential data that helps urologists develop a tailored treatment plan based on the patient’s specific urinary issue. The information gathered helps in:
Australia has become a leader in adopting advanced surgical technologies like robotic surgery, with highly trained urologists and state-of-the-art facilities across the country. Robotic surgery in Australia offers the advantages of precision and minimally invasive care, ensuring that patients receive effective and efficient treatment.
For patients considering robotic-assisted surgery, a consultation with a skilled urologist can provide information on the benefits, expected outcomes, and personalised recommendations for care.
