Overview of Urodynamics
Urodynamics test is a computer assisted study done to assess the pressures in the bladder and sphincter in various clinical conditions.
The objective of urodynamic study is to help in the selection of an appropriate treatment. This is done for both men and women. It is commonly done when there is urinary leakage, obstruction due to prostate enlargement, repeated urinary infections or sometimes when there is a lot of residual urine in the bladder.
Urodynamics tests for Children's Bladder issues:
Children often experience urinary issues like urinary leakage (incontinence), poor urinary stream, bedwetting, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying their bladder, etc. Pediatric urodynamics can be a valuable tool in identifying the cause of these problems and guiding treatment decisions.
What is Pediatric Urodynamics?
Pediatric urodynamics is a series of diagnostic tests that assess how well your child's bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) are working together. These tests can help diagnose conditions like:- Neurogenic bladder: A bladder that doesn't function properly due to nerve damage.
- Urinary retention: Difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Reflux: Urine backing up from the bladder to the kidneys.
- Overactive bladder: Frequent and urgent urination, often with small amounts of urine.
- Outflow obstruction: Bladder neck hypertrophy, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia etc.
What happens during a Pediatric Urodynamics study?
There are two main types of paediatric urodynamics studies:
- Non-invasive uroflowmetry: This test measures the flow rate of your child's urine as they urinate into a special toilet or pad.
- Cystometry: This test involves placing thin catheters in your child's bladder and rectum to measure bladder pressure and capacity while they fill and empty their bladder. Sometimes, X-rays are also taken during cystometry to visualize bladder function.
- Urodynamic Catheter Placement Under Sedation/Anesthesia : You and your urology doctor have decided to use sedation for placement of urodynamic catheters. Generally this is done when it is determined that your child cannot tolerate catheter placement while awake. While your child is asleep we will place small catheters to the bladder and rectum to study the bladder functions. After testing, all measuring devices and tape will be removed and the child will be monitored for an hour.
Why are Pediatric Urodynamics important?
Pediatric urodynamics can help:
- Diagnose bladder and urethra problems accurately.
- Determine the severity of a condition.
- Guide treatment decisions, such as whether medication, bladder training, or surgery is needed.
- Monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
What to expect before, during, and after the study
- Before the study: Your child's doctor will explain the procedure and answer any questions you have. You may be asked to have your child avoid certain foods or drinks before the study.
- During the study: The study usually takes about 1-2 hours. Your child will be monitored by a team of healthcare professionals throughout the process.
- After the study: Your child may have some discomfort for a short time after the catheters are removed. Your pediatric doctor will discuss the results of the study with you and recommend the next steps.
Pediatric urodynamics are safe and painless for most children. If your child shows above-mentioned symptoms, or you’re worried about them, talk to an expert paediatric doctor to help improve your child's urinary health and quality of life.