The storage and elimination of urine are regulated by neural circuits in the brain and spinal cord to coordinate function between the urethra and the urinary bladder. During micturition, the elimination of urine is facilitated by bladder wall contraction as well as urethral wall and pelvic floor muscle relaxation. In the following article, we will discuss discuss this study: Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Impact of Intraurethral Lidocaine on Urodynamic Voiding Parameters.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) lead to incomplete bladder emptying, decreased quality of life, increased healthcare use, decreased workplace productivity and impact in intimate relationships. Some of the approaches to improve the condition such as

Introduction:

Urodynamics (UDS) is an interactive diagnostic study of lower urinary tract function. It is composed of several tests that can be used to obtain functional information about urine storage and expulsion. Its main goal is to reproduce the patients’ symptoms and determine their cause.

The present article is a review of the physiological concepts behind UDS, and explains the various normal and abnormal forces and parameters that are measured and used during the tests to assist the physician in making a diagnosis. It outlines the importance and methods of the calibration of UDS equipment to optimize diagnostic accuracy and reliability, which would have a crucial impact over the treatment’s decision, and consequently the patient’s outcome.

Anorectal manometry is a widely-available, economical and precise test for establishing the functional competency of the rectum and the anal canal. It plays an essential role in the diagnosis of functional defecatory disorders such as constipation, fecal incontinence and Hirschsprung disease in children.

This test involves the assessment of two major functions of the anorectal system. The resistive system – continence; and the capacitive system – defecation. Continence and defecation are the two most important roles played by the anorectal system. Quantitative assessment of the anal sphincter tone by anorectal manometry helps find the etiology of anorectal disorders. In the following article, we are going to discuss briefly how to interpret conventional anorectal manometry.

Bladder cancer is a relatively rare phenomenon in the United States – affecting fewer than 200,000 Americans annually – but can be serious when left untreated. Here, incontinence will be discussed relative to bladder cancer, which is a side effect of both the cancer itself and the treatment.

With recent changes to healthcare and reimbursement, interest in management service organizations (MSOs) has increased. In years past, these services have been met with caution, as they were judged to create more risk than reward. However, recently that balance has shifted. Here, ObGyn MSOs will be discussed.

When it comes to medical practice, the cost of doing business can be vastly different than for other small businesses. While building revenue is important, so is effective customer service and high-quality patient care.

As the model for reimbursement changes, efficient cost management is becoming a key component of the survival and stability of the independent medical practice.

Here, the types of costs associated with medical practices will be discussed, as well as why the variable cost structure is important.

Urodynamics Explained

Urodynamics is a blanket term for a series of tests that assess the functionality of the lower urinary tract. Numerous 

problems of the bladder and urethra which commonly affect both men and women can be diagnosed via urodynamics. Typically, these tests are ordered to diagnose issues such as urinary incontinence or prostrate problems, as well as before and after any type of surgery involving the pelvic organs or the urinary tract. Common symptoms that result in a doctor ordering urodynamics include incontinence, frequent urination, inability to urinate, weak urine stream, painful urination, nocturia, recurrent urinary tract infections, and difficulties emptying the bladder entirely.  The types of urodynamic tests commonly performed include the following:

Anorectal manometry is a diagnostic technique that is intended to test how well the rectum and anal sphincter are functioning. In the blog post below, when this test is commonly prescribed, as well as an explanation of the procedure, will be described.

What is Anorectal Manometry?

Anorectal manometry is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that is simple to perform, but it requires complex equipment and well trained nursing staff. This test is used to measure the patient’s contractility in his or her anus and rectum. A catheter with a balloon attached is inserted directly into the patient’s rectum. The balloon is inflated, and pressure readings from the sphincter and rectum are recorded. One purpose of anorectal manometry is to test the ability of the muscles and tissues surrounding the balloon is to relax in response to pressure. For instance, if rectal muscles and sphincter do not relax when the balloon is inflated, paralysis of the colon could be to blame.

In today’s medical marketplace, physicians such as urologists and ObGyns are finding it more and more difficult to keep doors open in the face of deceased reimbursements and patients who lack medical insurance. Additionally, attracting new patients is harder than ever, thanks to the prevalence of websites which allow patients to rate their doctors, sometimes leaving bad reviews which do not adequately depict the situation from both sides.

Urodynamics testing is as much an art as it is a science. Unfortunately, there are many variables inherent to the way testing takes place that can lead to poor results. Here, how to know whether your urodynamics test results are poor will be discussed.