Urodynamic Testing Methods

Test

Purpose

Indications

Simple cystometry

Measures bladder pressure and volume

Useful in patients with clear-cut symptoms

Complex cystometry

Multiple parameters: bladder volume, filling rate, bladder pressure, abdominal pressure, and subtracted detrusor pressure

More accurate information on bladder function; most common type of urodynamics test

Uroflowmetry

Measures flow rate with special electronic flow-meters

Useful for general impression of voiding function

Pressure-flow

Combines complex cystometry and uroflowmetry. Measures bladder pressure, abdominal pressure, subtracted detrusor pressure, and uroflow

Provides accurate means of differentiating detrusor contraction, straining, and pelvic relaxation as mechanisms of urination

Leak point pressure

Using abdominal or bladder pressures, urethral resistance to abdonimal strain is measured

Used in assessing urethral sphincter function

Urethral pressure profilometry

Using a dual transducer catheter, simultaneous bladder and urethral pressure can be recorded

Electromyography

Surface or needle electrodes to determine striated muscle activity of the pelvic floor or the anal or urethral sphincters