Cystometry - An Overview

What Is Cystometry?

Cystometry is a procedure to check for problems related to filling and emptying of the urinary bladder. The urinary bladder is a bag-like muscular structure that holds the urine and signals the brain that the patient needs to urinate. Cystometry helps calculate the amount of urine in the urinary bladder. The results obtained after cystometry are compared with the bladder pressure. Hence, these results support the doctor in getting an idea about the functions of the bladder muscles, nerve response of the urinary tract and the bladder, and bladder mechanics. Under normal conditions, the urinary bladder is surrounded by a vast network of nerves and sends messages to the brain. Finally, the spinal cord stimulates bladder contraction and relaxation to allow the exit of urine from the body. However, the problem arises when some medical conditions interfere with this mechanism, disrupting bladder control and function. Cystometry helps figure out the etiology of all these problems.

Why Is Cystometry Done?

Cystometry is usually recommended to evaluate bladder and urethral problems. The following conditions are the root causes of problems in the bladder and the urethra:

1. The bladder fails to function appropriately due to defects in the nerves that regulate its functions, resulting in neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

2. Injuries to the spinal cord.

3. Multiple sclerosis can alter the communication between the brain and the urinary bladder.

4. People with diabetes are more likely to have bladder problems as this condition can damage the nerves between the brain and the bladder.

Urinary tract problems can also occur due to aging, injuries, and other illnesses. Urinary retention is also one of the causes of bladder dysfunction. The bladder muscles become weak to the extent that they fail to allow the passage of urine. Sometimes, the pelvic muscles do not support the bladder muscles resulting in urinary retention. Hence, cystometry helps detect the exact cause of the symptoms, as mentioned earlier.

How Should the Patient Prepare for Cystometry?

Cystometry is a simple procedure, so the patient does not have to make any special preparations before the procedure. However, the patient must keep in mind the following before the procedure:

• The patient must understand the procedure carefully and ask the doctor about their doubts.

• The doctor might request the patient to sign a consent form that states that the patient.

• Generally, the patient is not advised to fast or limit the fluid intake before the procedure.

• Females planning to conceive must inform the doctor before undergoing the test.

• The patients must inform the doctor beforehand if they are allergic to medicines, tape, latex, or anesthesia.

• The patient must inform the healthcare provider about all the medications, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

• The patient must inform the doctor if there is a medical history of bleeding disorders or has taken blood thinners or anticoagulants. These medications must be stopped before the procedure as they might produce complications.

• The patient must inform the doctor if there was a history of urinary tract infections. The symptoms of urinary tract infections are listed below:

  1. Painful urination.

  2. Hematuria.

  3. Burning sensation while urinating.

  4. Fever.

  5. Foul-smelling urine.

  6. Cloudy urine.

• The doctor might recommend some medications for patients with urinary tract infections one or two days before the procedure.

• Patients with constipation might have to use an enema before undergoing the procedure.

What Happens in Cystometry?

Patients undergoing cystometry do not have to stay in the hospital because it is an outpatient procedure. The steps of cystometry are listed below:

• The patient will have to remove the jewelry, clothing, and other objects that might create problems during the procedure.

• The patient is asked to lie on the back of the treatment table.

• A thin, flexible, and soft tube known as a catheter is inserted into the patient’s urethra until it enters the urinary bladder. The patient might feel uncomfortable during the procedure.

• The amount of urine left in the urinary bladder, known as the residual urine, is measured.

• Next, the doctor inserts another pressure probe or catheter into the vagina or rectum to measure the pressure in the abdomen. The doctor might attach electrodes on either side of the anal skin to measure muscle function.

• A small amount of fluid is injected into the urinary bladder through the catheter, followed by an equal amount of warm liquid. The patient will then be asked to describe the feelings. For example, the patient might get a strong urge to urinate, pain, nausea, and discomfort.

• Next, the fluid is removed with the help of a catheter.

• The doctor will connect the catheter to a device that measures bladder pressure, a cytometer.

• Next, the doctor injects fluids or gases into the bladder through the catheter. The patient would be asked to mention when there is a feeling to urinate. Hence, the doctor records the bladder pressure at the same time.

• Sometimes, the doctor might prescribe medications that affect the tone of the bladder muscles and repeat the procedure 30 times.

• The catheter and the other electrodes are removed after the test.

• After the procedure, the patient might have sweating, flushing, nausea, and bladder pain.

What Happens After Cystometry?

The patient does not require any special care after the cystometry. The patient can have a regular diet and resume physical activities. The doctor might ask the patient to drink excessive fluids to dilute the urine and reduce the burning sensation. Patients with urinary problems can take a warm sitz bath to ease their symptoms.

Conclusion:

Cystometry is a simple procedure that hardly produces any complications. It is especially recommended for patients with problems related to the urinary bladder. The patient might have some urologic issues after the procedure, but these problems mostly subside a few days after. Hence, the patient must not get worried and consult a urologist at the earliest to learn more about cystometry and its benefits.