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Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: 773-772-1212
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Urodynamic Studies


Urodynamic studies of the lower urinary tract system allow doctors to assess how well the bladder, urethra and sphincters perform their urine storage and release functions. People who experience incontinence; frequent urinary tract infections or painful urination; or issues such as inability to drain the bladder are candidates for urodynamic studies.

Urodynamic studies can be as simple as making observations or as complicated as collecting data with sophisticated instruments. The urodynamic studies selected depend on factors, such as the health information collected about the patient, a physical exam and the precise nature of the problem.

How to Prepare

Urodynamic studies often do not require special preparations. However, the patient may be asked to increase or decrease their fluid consumption or temporarily suspend taking certain medications they are on. In some instances, patients are asked to arrive with full bladders for urodynamic studies.

How Treatment is Performed

There are several types of urodynamic studies, each conducted in a different way:

  • Uroflowmetry: Special equipment is used in these urodynamic studies to measure urine speed and volume.
  • Postvoid residual measurement: Ultrasound equipment is used for these urodynamic studies to create a picture that allows healthcare professionals to measure the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.
  • Cystometric test: These urodynamic studies measure how urine the bladder can hold, the amount of pressure while urine is stored and how full the bladder is when the urge to urinate is triggered.
  • Leak point pressure measurement: Intended to provide information about the type of bladder problem, these urodynamic studies involve measures pressure at the point of leakage.
  • Pressure flow study: These urodynamic studies, performed with local anesthesia, measure pressure required to urinate as well as the flow rate generated by pressure.
  • Electromyography: With the aid of special sensors to measure electrical activity, these urodynamic studies are used when the doctor believes there is an issue involving the muscles and nerves in and around the bladder and sphincters.
  • Video urodynamic tests: Imaging equipment is used for these urodynamic studies to capture images of the bladder filling and emptying.

What Happens After

Because the patients may feel some discomfort for a few hours after certain urodynamic studies, they likely will want to drink eight ounces of water every half hour for two or more hours. A warm bath or wash cloth dampened with warm water held loosely at the urethral opening also may provide some relief.

Depending on the urodynamic studies performed, some patients may be prescribed antibiotics for a couple for days to prevent infection.

Results of some urodynamic studies may be available immediately, while results of others may take a few day.

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