cystometry

Introduction

A test used to assess the function of the bladder by measuring the pressure/volume relationship of the bladder.

Indications

• urge incontinence
• detrusor hyperactivity
• urinary sensation
• bladder capacity
• bladder compliance

Procedure

• insertion of a catheter into the bladder
• in simple cystometry, sterile water is instilled into the bladder via a foley catheter (balloon NOT inflated)
• filling of the bladder is continued until the patient feels a severe urge to urinate or involuntary bladder contractions begin
• contractions can be seen as a rise & fall of the meniscus of the syringe used for instilling the sterile water into the bladder
• if the urge to urinate or bladder contractions occur at a low bladder volume (< 250-300 mL), urge incontinence is likely (predictive value 74-91%).

More general terms

• urodynamic testing

Additional terms

• bladder catheterization
• urge incontinence