What developments are needed to achieve less-invasive urodynamics? ICI-RS 2019

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Technology Assessment

Background:

• Standard urodynamics, including cystometry and pressure-flow studies, are invasive procedures.
• There is a growing interest in developing less invasive alternatives for assessing lower urinary tract function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of less invasive urodynamic technologies.
• To identify research priorities for improving these emerging diagnostic methods.

Main Methods:

• A Think Tank debate from the 2019 International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society meeting was summarized.
• Less-invasive techniques were classified, and potential developments were considered.

Main Results:

• A range of less-invasive technologies exist, from simple uroflowmetry to advanced imaging and complex emerging methods.
• These techniques may not match the accuracy of invasive urodynamics but can be valuable as adjuncts or screening tools.

Conclusions:

• Less-invasive urodynamic technologies can offer specific functional assessments and may serve as valuable adjuncts to invasive testing.
• The primary role for current less-invasive techniques is as screening or triaging tools to potentially spare patients from invasive urodynamics early in their care pathway.