The value of urodynamic tests in clinical practice, in women with lower urinary tract symptoms

A. Manu-Marin

Rezumat: Complex urodynamic investigation adds objective functional data to the data obtained by clinical examination and imagistic. This investigation is started with the filling of the bladder, cystomanometry and continued with the data from the micturition phase, the pressure/flow study. The study brings valuable data to diagnose overactive bladder, bladder outlet obstruction and detrusor sensation and contractility. This paper is reviewing the symptoms of the lower urinary tract and the techniques to perform the different urodynamic tests according to the standards of the International Continence Society (ICS). A literature search on MEDLINE using the terms: urodynamics, female urinary incontinence, prolaps, voiding dysfunction, was performed. Three recent papers were selected and commented with referrals to clinical practice. Complex urodynamic tests are providing valuable data to help understand urinary symptoms especially when these are combined, from both the filling and the emptying phase, when prolapse is present and when residual urine is high on ultrasound. The neurogenic bladder also needs urodynamic tests and regular follow-up.
Cuvinte cheie: urodynamics, lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary incontinence, prolaps, residual urine, neurogenic bladder.