Short-term reproducibility of cystometry and pressure-flow micturition studies in healthy women

To evaluate the reproducibility of cystometry and pressure flow studies in women. We wanted to explore any clinically relevant effect of repeated, same-session cystometry.

Thirty healthy women with a mean age of 52 years were investigated with repeat medium-fill water cystometry and pressure-flow micturition studies in a single session.

Large test-retest variability was noted, with wide limits of agreement. Of statistical significance was an increase of first desire (FD) and normal desire (ND), and a decrease in bladder opening pressure. Maximum cystometric capacity was unchanged.

Although the nature of the conditioning effect of the first fill remains to be explored, the phenomenon could possibly be used for improved urodynamic diagnosis.