Urodynamics simplified

Urodynamic equipment has grown ever more sophisticated, and though necessary for research, tends to discourage the average clinician. However, a great deal of information can be gleaned from relatively simple recording techniques that are easily adapted to office practice. The most important urodynamic information is obtained by recording static and dynamic urethral behavior during bladder filling. This article addresses changes in urethral behavior induced by patient position, bladder filling, and catheter movement in relation to detrusor behavior. Expected changes in cases of neurogenic bladder, bladder outlet obstruction, incontinence, and urge-frequency syndromes are outlined. The clinician can perform flow-rate studies, voiding cystourethrogram, and cystoscopy at separate times and pool the information to provide a therapeutic outline.