Urodynamics is a panel of tests relating to the lower urinary tract. It is most commonly used in its entirety; however, it is also possible that one or more of the components will be performed separately if symptoms suggest this is necessary.

Urodynamics is the most reliable way to determine the cause of lower urinary tract symptoms and therefore, the best way to determine which treatment methods are most appropriate.

A Care Pathway is an evidenced-based framework to build a treatment plan upon, beginning with the primary physician, continuing to specialist referrals if necessary, and following the patient through to the end of their treatment (including follow-up care).

They typically follow a common path that starts with patient history, followed by clinical assessment, provisional diagnosis, first line management, specialist management, and follow-up care.

Some examples are listed here:

When it comes to diagnosing patients right the first time, urologists, obstetricians, gynecologists, and healthcare professionals who want to improve the services they offer to patients all need to have access to the right testing options for diagnosing specific issues. The same is true when it comes to monitoring the health of the lower urinary system, with urodynamics being the only testing option specifically designed to monitor patient urinary health.

What Is Urodynamics?

Urodynamics refers specifically to the study of how the bladder, urethra, and associated sphincters in the body do their job of storing and releasing urine. Urodynamic testing therefore refers to the set of tests that provide healthcare professionals with valuable information on the health and function of a patient’s urinary system.

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.

Urodynamics testing is one of the most powerful tools available for diagnosing problems in the lower urinary
tract. However, urodynamics interpretation is as much an art as it is a science. Here, common mistakes that are made during urodynamics interpretation¹ will be discussed. Also, check our article on Urodynamics Interpretation: How to do it Right.

Urodynamic testing is the best way to diagnose disorders of the lower urinary tract. However, many urodynamic technicians and doctors have never received formal training regarding the multiple tests and data interpretation.

In a 2002 survey¹ of 192 North American urodynamics services, less than 20% of respondents reportedly received formal training.

While the techniques themselves are easy to master, urodynamics interpretation can be more difficult. How to do it the right way will be described here.

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