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Related Concept Videos

Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry01:19

Urodynamic 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...
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation01:26

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation

The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History01:21

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History

The genitourinary system is critical to maintaining fluid balance, waste elimination, and reproductive function. Nurses play a vital role in assessing this system, beginning with a thorough health history. This process involves gathering patient information, identifying risk factors, and recognizing symptoms of genitourinary disorders. Early detection is vital for timely interventions and management.1. Gathering Patient InformationA complete health history includes the patient’s personal,...
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography01:22

Imaging 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...
The Micturition Reflex01:26

The 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...
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:26

Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

Renal calculi, commonly termed kidney stones, are crystalline solid masses that form in the kidneys but can occur at any point within the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.The pathophysiology of renal stones involves several key factors: supersaturation of the urine with stone-forming constituents, changes in urine pH, a decrease in urine volume, and the presence of substances that promote or inhibit stone formation.Supersaturation of Urine: This is the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Real-Time Void Spot Assay
06:39

Real-Time Void Spot Assay

Published on: February 10, 2023

Do symptoms of voiding dysfunction predict urinary retention?

Amos O Adelowo1, Michele R Hacker, Anna Merport Modest

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA. aadelowo@mah.harvard.edu

Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery
|November 13, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Voiding dysfunction symptoms in women do not reliably predict urinary retention. Measuring postvoid urinary residual (PVR) is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of bladder emptying issues.

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Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection
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Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection

Published on: August 28, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 17, 2026

Real-Time Void Spot Assay
06:39

Real-Time Void Spot Assay

Published on: February 10, 2023

Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection
03:26

Detrusor Underactivity Model in Rats by Conus Medullaris Transection

Published on: August 28, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Gynecology
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders

Background:

  • Voiding dysfunction is a common complaint among women.
  • Symptoms like incomplete emptying may suggest urinary retention, but their predictive value is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the relationship between symptoms of voiding dysfunction and elevated postvoid urinary residual (PVR) in women.
  • To determine the predictive accuracy of voiding dysfunction symptoms for urinary retention.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 641 women presenting for initial evaluation.
  • Review of charts for demographics, voiding dysfunction symptoms, and examination findings.
  • Urinary retention defined as PVR ≥ 100 ml.

Main Results:

  • 8.9% of women had urinary retention (PVR ≥ 100 ml).
  • 56.1% of women with urinary retention reported at least one voiding symptom, most commonly incomplete emptying.
  • Sensitivity and positive predictive values of symptoms for retention were low; 87.5% of women with voiding symptoms had PVR < 100 ml.

Conclusions:

  • Patient-reported symptoms are not reliable predictors of urinary retention.
  • Measurement of postvoid urinary residual (PVR) is recommended for accurate diagnosis.
  • Other causes of voiding dysfunction should be investigated when symptoms are present without retention.