About a video urodynamics test
A video urodynamics test takes place in the Radiology Department.
It looks at the way your bladder is working and helps us to investigate the cause of your urinary symptoms.
We take X-rays during the test so we can see what happens when your bladder fills and empties.
Why we recommend this test
We recommend this test for the following reasons.
- The results of the test can help us to decide the best form of treatment for you, particularly if you have had previous surgery for:
- urinary incontinence
- vaginal prolapse (where organs like the bladder or womb press on the vagina)
- or if you have had trouble emptying your bladder.
- It can also be useful when we are considering whether you need an operation, or when previous treatments have not improved your symptoms
Risks
You may have some irritation in your urethra (the tube leading to your bladder) during or after the test. This may cause you to pass urine more often than usual.
You can help reduce the chance of this by drinking plenty of water for a few days after the test. (Do not drink more than 2 litres daily.)
Important
If you feel you might have a bladder infection, see your GP as soon as possible before your test.
This means your GP can treat your infection with antibiotics.
On the day
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You can expect to be with us for about 1 hour. After your test, you can drive and carry on with your usual daily activities. |
- You can eat normally before your test.
- Report to the Radiology Department reception.
- We need you to arrive with a comfortably full bladder. If this is difficult because of your symptoms, you are welcome to arrive earlier and drink some water in the waiting area.
- Bring your completed Bladder Diary with you, when you come for your test.
- You may choose to bring a friend or family member with you, but this is not essential.
- We can perform the test if you are having your menstrual period.
- We cannot perform the test if you are, or think you may be, pregnant.
The test
To perform the test, we will ask you to change into a hospital gown.
Your doctor or specialist nurse will explain the test to you and answer any questions you have. They will also look at your Bladder Diary.
The test has three parts.
Part 1
To start the test, we will ask you to pass urine into a specially adapted toilet, called a flow meter. This measures how much urine you pass, and the flow of your urine.
We will test your urine for any signs of infection.
If you do have an infection, we will not be able to continue with the test. If this happens, we will reschedule your appointment for a time when your urine infection has been treated.
If you do not have an infection, we will ask you to lie on the X-ray table.
Part 2
In part 2 of the test, we look at the way your bladder works as it fills up.
- We will insert a small tube (catheter) into your urethra and another small tube into your rectum (back passage).
- This may be slightly uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. We will tape the tubes to your thigh.
- We will run sterile X-ray contrast fluid through the catheter into your bladder at a controlled rate, and take take a series of X-rays.
- Your bladder will slowly fill up, while we make recordings using the sensors on the catheter tubes.
- We will ask you questions about what you are feeling while your bladder fills up, and when you feel the need to pass urine. Do not feel embarrassed if you leak urine. If this happens, we will be able to check what is causing this.
Part 3
In part 3, we will ask you to pass urine into the flow meter toilet again. This time you will do so while the small tubes are in place.
This is so we can measure the pressure in your bladder as you pass urine.
After the test
When we have completed all 3 parts of the test, we will remove the tubes and you can change back into your clothes.
We will ask you to drink plenty of water to help flush your bladder through.
You may feel a slight stinging or burning when you pass urine. This usually settles down within a few hours.
Results
The doctor or specialist nurse will give you the results of the test. They will also let you know about follow-up arrangements.
When to seek medical help
Contact your GP or call 111 if you notice any of the following:
- After a few hours, you still experience stinging or burning when you pass urine.
- Your urine becomes cloudy or smelly.
- You develop flu-like symptoms, for example a temperature.
This may mean you have a bladder infection that needs to be tested and treated with antibiotics.
Contact information
Urogynaecology Team, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm