Contents:
Medical Video: Cystometry
Definition
What is cystometry?
Cystometry is a medical test that will measure the pressure in the bladder to check how well your bladder is working. Cystometry is performed when one of the muscles or nerves that have a problem causes a bladder disruption to hold or drain urine.
Urination is a complicated process. After the bladder is filled with wastes that have been processed by the kidneys, the nerves in the bladder wall will send signals to urinate in your spine and brain. In return, your spine will send back a signal to the bladder to start contracting (voiding reflex). When you hold back urination, your brain will reject this reflex. When you allow this reflex to occur, urination will take place. Disorders that affect the signal reception pathway or muscles in the bladder wall will cause bladder dysfunction.
During cystometry, your bladder will be filled with water or gas to measure its ability to hold and release the gas or water. Medications may also be given to check whether your bladder will contract or relax normally in response to the drug. A small hose (catheter) will be inserted into the anus to measure the pressure as long as the bladder is filled. Small pads or needles will be placed near your anus to measure muscle function in the area around the bladder.
When do I have to undergo cystometry?
Bladder dysfunction can be very embarrassing and have a major impact on the quality of your life. Cystometry research helps to examine your bladder and analyze how the organ works. This test can help your doctor identify specific problems and recommend therapies that will improve your ability to return to normal activities.
Bladder disorders, including hyperactive bladder, decreased bladder capacitation, and inability to empty the bladder commonly associated with various health conditions, such as:
- bladder tract infection
- spinal cord injury
- enlarged prostate
- neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
- stroke
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing cystometry?
The results of cystometry are sometimes unclear. Therefore, several other tests will be needed, such as cystourethrogram, intravenous pyelogram (IVP), ultrasound, or cystoscopy, to help read a more accurate diagnosis.
Process
What should I do before undergoing cystometry?
There is no special preparation needed for this test. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before or after the procedure to help prevent infection. The procedure will be different for each doctor, laboratory facilities, and your medical condition. Your doctor will explain specifically about your procedure. For children and infants, preparation will be based on age, medical history, and level of trust.
What is the process of cystometry?
Before undergoing cystometry, you will be asked to urinate (voids) into a special container that is connected to a monitor. This type of examination is called uroflow. During this process, the monitor will record:
- the time you need to start urination
- the size, strength, and continuity of your urine flow
- amount of urine released
- how long does it take for you to empty the bladder
Then you will be asked to lie down and a catheter hose will be inserted into your bladder. The catheter will measure how much urine is left in the bladder. Other smaller hoses will usually be inserted through the anus to measure abdominal pressure. Electrode pads, similar to the pads used for EKGs, will be placed near the rectum. A small pipe used to monitor bladder pressure (cystometer) will be attached to the catheter. Water flows into the bladder at a regular rate. You will be asked to notify the medical officer when you feel like urinating and when your bladder feels full.
Generally, your doctor will need more information and will order a number of other tests to evaluate the function of your bladder. This series of tests is often referred to as complete urodynamics or urodynamic. The test series includes:
- measure uroflow emptying reflexes
- cystometry (filling phase)
- voiding phase (emptying back)
For complete urodynamic, a smaller size catheter will be inserted into the bladder. You will be able to urinate through this tool. This special catheter has a sensor at the end of the hose that can measure pressure and volume as long as you fill the bladder and as long as you empty it again. You will be asked to cough or push so the medical staff can check for urinary leak. This complete test can reveal a variety of information about the function of your bladder. For additional information, the doctor may take x-rays during the test. In this case, the doctor will use a special liquid, replacing water, which will be seen in the x-ray scan. This type of Urodynamic is called videourodynamics.
What should I do after undergoing cystometry?
After the test, you will feel the need to urinate more often, followed by a burning sensation during urination and afterwards, for one or two days (especially if carbon dioxide gas is used). Drink plenty of fluids to help minimize the burning sensation and prevent bladder tract infections.
A slightly reddish urine in a few days is a common effect after undergoing this test. However, contact your doctor immediately if:
- Your urine is red or you see blood spots after several urinations
- You have difficulty urinating 8 hours after the test
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Some results can be found immediately after the test. More comprehensive results will usually be available in 1-2 days.
| Cystometry | ||
| Normal: | The rate of urine comes out of the bladder at normal speed | |
| The amount of urine left in your bladder is less than 30 mL | ||
| The point when you feel like urinating is within the normal range of time, when the amount of urine in your bladder reaches 175 - 250 mL | ||
| The point of time when you will urinate is within the normal range of time, when the amount of urine in the bladder reaches 350 - 450 mL | ||
| The maximum amount of urine that your bladder can accommodate reaches 400 - 500 mL (normal volume) | ||
| Nerve functions that control your bladder work well | ||
| Urine does not leak from the bladder during stress tests | ||
| Abnormal: | The flow rate of urine flows out of your bladder when you urinate later than normal, or the rate of urine is stuck | |
| The amount of urine left in your bladder is more than normal | ||
| You have trouble starting to urinate | ||
| The point of time when you feel you want to urinate more than the normal time span, or don't feel the urge to urinate at all | ||
| The maximum amount of urine that your bladder can hold is less than normal, or you can't feel it at all | ||
| General sensations and reactions are not seen when the nerves that control your bladder are tested | ||
| Urine leaked from the bladder during a stress test | ||
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