Carbon dioxide versus electronic urethrocystometry for the detection of detrusor dyssynergia

The reliability of rapid-fill carbon dioxide urethrocystometry in detecting detrusor dyssynergia was compared with the more physiologic method of electronic urethrocystometry. Fifty female patients who had urinary incontinence were studied. All patients with abnormal electronic studies had abnormal studies with carbon dioxide. Ten patients with normal electronic studies had an abnormal response to carbon dioxide and 40 per cent of these patients responded well to anticholinergic agents, indicating that carbon dioxide may be more sensitive in detecting mild forms of detrusor dysfunction that are medically treatable. Complete urodynamic assessment is recommended in conjunction with carbon dioxide urethrocystometry.