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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing
Published on: August 14, 2019
The effect of urethral dilatation on pressure flow studies in women with voiding dysfunction and overactive bladder
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NY, UK.
Introduction And Hypothesis:
The aim of this study was to assess whether urethral dilatation (UD) leads to changes in pressure flow parameters in women with voiding dysfunction (VD) and whether this correlates with improvement in overactive bladder symptoms (OAB).
Methods:
Forty three women with drug-resistant OAB and VD underwent cystoscopy and UD. Pressure flow studies were undertaken at 6 weeks with further follow-up at 6 months. Any significant changes in pressure flow parameters after UD were evaluated.
Results:
Thirty three percent of the participants reported subjective improvement. This was maintained at 6 months in 19%. Improvement in OAB was associated with an increase in maximum flow rate centile (p = 0.02) and a decrease in detrusor pressure at maximum flow (p = 0.03). Thirteen percent developed urodynamic stress incontinence.
Conclusions:
Thirty three percent of women with drug-resistant OAB have a short-term improvement following UD. Improvement is associated with an increased maximum flow rate centile and a decreased detrusor pressure at maximum flow. The long-term improvement rate is poor.
Related Concept Videos
Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

