Cystometry: definition, process, prevention, etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is cystometry?

Cystometry is a medical procedure performed to check bladder function. This procedure is needed when there is a problem with the bladder muscles or nerves, causing bladder function problems.

The formation of urine involves a number of complex processes. After the kidneys filter the blood and produce waste substances, the nerves in the bladder wall will send signals to urinate to your spine and brain.

In return, your spine sends signals back to the bladder to initiate muscle contraction (voiding reflex). When you hold your pee, the brain rejects this reflex and the urine remains stuck in the bladder.

A new urination will occur as soon as you allow the voluntary contraction of the bladder muscles. Certain conditions that affect the signal reception pathways or muscles in the bladder wall will cause bladder dysfunction.

During cystometry, your bladder will fill with water or gas. This is where the doctor can measure the bladder's ability to hold and remove the gas or water.

When to undergo cystometry?

Cystometry can provide an overview of the function of your bladder and urethra. This examination also helps the doctor detect urinary problems and determine therapy that can help you urinate normally.

Therefore, cystometry is generally recommended for people with medical conditions that can affect the function of the bladder and urethral tract. Here are a few examples.

• Increasing age. The work of the nerves and muscles of the bladder decreases with age.
• Neurogenic bladder. The bladder cannot work properly because there is a problem in the pathway of sending the signal.
• Diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve damage to the bladder so that its function is impaired.
• Multiple sclerosis. This disease attacks the nervous system and disrupts the communication pathways between the brain and various organs.
• Spinal cord injury. The spine is home to many nerves. Injury to the spine can damage nerves and affect bladder function.
• Infectious disease. Infection of the bladder and urinary tract can interfere with the function of the organs in the urinary system.
• Other diseases. Enlarged prostate, stroke, and various other diseases can directly or indirectly interfere with bladder function.

Precautions and warnings

What should be known before undergoing cystometry?

It should be noted that the results of cystometry are sometimes unclear.

Therefore, the doctor may need other tests such as cystourethrogram, intravenous pyelogram, Ultrasound, or cystoscopy to help make a more accurate reading of the diagnosis.

Process

What should be done before undergoing the examination?

There are no special preparations you need to do before undergoing cystometry. Even so, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before or after the procedure to help prevent infection.

The test administration will be different for each doctor, laboratory facility, and your medical condition. Meanwhile, for children and babies, preparations will be made based on age, medical history, and level of confidence.

How does this work?

Before undergoing cystometry, you will be asked to urinate into a special container connected to a monitor. This type of examination is called uroflow. During this process, the monitor will record:

• the time it takes you to start urinating,
• size, strength, and how well urine flows,
• the amount of urine excreted, as well
• how long it takes you to empty your bladder.

After that, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table. A catheter tube is then inserted into your bladder. Installation of a urine catheter aims to measure the amount of urine left in the bladder.

Another, smaller tube will usually be inserted through the anus to measure the pressure in the abdomen. An electrode pad, which is similar to the pad used for examining the heart, is then placed near the rectum.

The doctor then inserts a small tube into the catheter to monitor bladder pressure. You will be asked to tell the medical staff when you feel the urge to urinate and when your bladder feels full.

Your doctor may order a number of other tests to assess your bladder function. This series of tests, known as urodynamics, consists of:

• a test to measure emptying of the bladder without a catheter (uroflow),
• cystometry (filling phase), and
• phase voiding (re-emptying).

Patients who undergo complete urodynamic testing will have a small catheter placed in their bladder. The function of this catheter is not only to help you urinate, but also to measure your bladder pressure.

The catheter is equipped with sensors that can measure the pressure and volume as you fill and empty your bladder.

In addition, medical personnel usually check for urine leaks by asking the patient to cough or push.

Cystometry and a series of investigations can reveal a variety of information about your bladder function. If additional information is needed, the doctor may order x-rays during the test.

What to do after undergoing cystometry?

You may feel the urge to urinate frequently or feel hot when you pass urine for 1-2 days after undergoing cystometry.

This effect is usually more pronounced when the gas used in the examination is carbon dioxide.

Some patients also have pink urine for up to several days after undergoing the test. This is a common condition, but contact your doctor immediately if you have spotting blood in your urine or if you have trouble urinating for up to 8 hours after the test.

Explanation of the test results

What do my test results mean?

The test results were immediately available on the same day. However, more comprehensive results will usually be available in 1-2 days.

The test results will be called normal with the following explanation.

1. The rate of urine out of the bladder at a normal rate.
2. The amount of urine left in your bladder is less than 30 mL.
3. The point in time when you feel the urge to urinate is within the normal range of time, when the amount of urine in the bladder reaches 175 - 250 mL.
4. The point in time when you will urinate is within the normal range of time, when the amount of urine in the bladder reaches 350 - 450 mL.
5. The maximum amount of urine your bladder can hold is 400-500 mL (normal volume).
6. The nerve functions that control your bladder work well.
7. Urine does not leak from the bladder at the time bladder stress test.

The test result will be called abnormal with the following explanation.

1. The flow rate of urine from the bladder when you urinate is slower than normal or even stuck.
2. The amount of urine left in your bladder is more than normal.
3. It is difficult for you to start urinating.
4. The point in time when you feel the urge to urinate more than the normal time span, or you don't feel the urge to urinate at all.
5. The maximum amount of urine your bladder can hold is less than normal, or you may not feel it at all.
6. General sensations and reactions are not seen when your bladder nerves are tested.
7. Urine leaks from the bladder at the time bladder stress test.

Cystometry is a test to measure bladder function.

If you have a condition or disease that affects the bladder, discuss with your urologist to determine when you need this examination.