Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
06:46
Optimizing Mouse Urodynamic Techniques for Improved Accuracy
Published on: June 7, 2024
Female urinary incontinence - urodynamics: yes or no?
A Renganathan1, J Duckett, K Nayak
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Urogynaecology Unit, Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5NY, UK.
Summary
Cystometry is not routinely recommended before conservative therapy for female incontinence or for pure stress incontinence. This review examines the evidence supporting and opposing this guideline for managing lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines on managing incontinence in women.
- Current guidelines suggest cystometry is often unnecessary for initial conservative therapy or in cases of pure stress incontinence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the arguments for and against the NICE recommendation regarding cystometry in women with incontinence.
- To evaluate the role of cystometry and pressure flow studies in assessing and managing female lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies and guidelines related to cystometry and incontinence management.
- Analysis of evidence supporting or refuting the routine use of cystometry.
Main Results:
- Arguments for the recommendation include avoiding unnecessary investigations and costs.
- Arguments against the recommendation suggest potential benefits in specific subgroups or complex cases.
- The utility of pressure flow studies in diagnosing specific lower urinary tract dysfunctions is considered.
Conclusions:
- The decision to perform cystometry should be individualized based on clinical presentation and diagnostic uncertainty.
- Further research may clarify the precise role of cystometry in optimizing treatment outcomes for women with lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry
Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive urodynamic test designed to measure various aspects of urination, including volume, flow rate, and the time to void. This test is crucial for diagnosing and assessing conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, bladder dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, incontinence, and urinary tract blockages caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral strictures.Pre-Test Instructions:Before a uroflowmetry test, patients are typically advised to drink...
01:23Urinary Bladder
The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular sac that temporarily stores urine before it is expelled from the body. It can hold approximately 600 mL of urine prior to micturition. The bladder is retroperitoneal and located behind the pubic symphysis in the pelvic floor.
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
01:19Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...
01:26The Micturition Reflex
Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating urine...
01:22Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography
Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG) and Cystography are specialized radiographic procedures used to examine the structure and function of the bladder and urethra.Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)A Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that assesses the anatomy and function of the lower urinary tract. It focuses on the bladder, bladder neck, and urethra, helping detect abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)—the backward or reverse flow of urine into the...
01:20Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution
The kidneys concentrate or dilute urine to maintain water and electrolyte balance. Nephrons, particularly the loop of Henle, play a crucial role in this process through the countercurrent multiplication system. This system establishes a high osmolarity in the renal medulla, which is essential for water reabsorption. In the loop of Henle’s descending limb, water is reabsorbed into the surrounding medulla due to its permeability to water. In contrast, the ascending limb actively transports...