Urodynamics is a scientific test to assess female urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract dysfunction.  It will provide an accurate diagnosis.  The diagnosis determines the treatment of the symptoms.

ABOUT THE TEST

The test will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.  It is not painful, but you may find it a little embarrassing.  You will be asked to empty your bladder in private, into a special toilet.  The test is done under local anesthetics.

Soft, fine tubes will be inserted into your bladder and back passage to record pressure readings in your bladder throughout the test.

Your bladder will be filled with sterile water until you feel the need to urinate.

You will be asked to cough at various stages during the test.

At the end of the test, you will be asked to empty your bladder again.

PREPARING FOR THE TEST

Please arrive with a comfortably full bladder – it is not necessary to drink lots of water beforehand as you may find it difficult to hold on.

You may eat and drink normally on the day of your test.

Please shower normally on the day of your test

Please feel free to ask any questions or discuss any concerns you may have prior to the test.

AFTER THE TEST

There is a small risk of developing a bladder infection after this test, so we advise you to increase your fluid intake after the test.  If you are concern you may have an infection, please contact my rooms on 9347 9909 or your local GP.

WHAT IS CYSTOSCOPY?

Cystoscopy is an investigation that enables the doctor to look inside the bladder and the urethra.

A special viewing catheter is introduced into the bladder and the bladder is slowly filled with sterile water.  The doctor is then able to make a 360 degree examination and visual assessment of the lining of the bladder.  The examination may reveal information that may not be obvious on an X-ray.  This may include stones, infection, bleeding, tumors or structural abnormalities.

This procedure is done in a sterile environment as a day surgery patient at either Frances Perry House in Parkville or Cotham private hospital in Kew. It takes approximately 10 minutes (45 minutes in total combined with having a Urodynamic test). It will take place right after undergoing the Urodynamic testing.

PATIENT INFORMATION

Local anesthetic is given prior to cystoscopy being performed when it is done after the Urodynamic testing.

Some patients may need the cystoscopy to be repeated under general anesthetics in the future. You will be informed if that applies to you at the time of the procedure or during the follow up appointment.

The cystoscopy may cause some discomfort, however most patients tolerate it very well.

There is a small risk of developing a urinary tract infection after the test.   Please drink extra fluid after the procedure to reduce the incidence of Urinary tract infection.  Should any urinary symptoms arise please contact my rooms or your local GP for an advice.

There is no special preparation before this test, e.g. fasting.

A follow-up appointment will be arranged after the procedure.

AFTER THE TEST

Some patients may experience frequency and burning with urination just after the procedure – increasing your fluid intake after the procedure will help minimize that.

The urine may have a pink tinge (minor bleeding) that should not be cause for concern if it gradually fades away.

Please contact my rooms or your local doctor if you observe heavy bleeding or clots in the urine or you cannot pass urine 6-8 hours after the test or you develop a fever, or severe pain in the back or have signs of infection (frequency, urgency, smelly/cloudy urine).