Urodynamics - Freeflow

Question 1

What is urodynamics?

Answer 1

The study of pressure and flow relationships during the storage and transport of urine within the urinary tract

Question 2

What does free flow measure?

Answer 2

Measures how much urine you pass and how quickly the urine flows. This is done to monitor changes in the flow of urine.
After the free flow test you might have to do a bladder test. A bladder scan shows whether or not you have emptied your bladder after you have passed urine.

Kidney stones stuck in the urethra can cause urine to flow more slowly, and can also decrease the amount of urine you pass. Urodynamics can be used to detect this. A bladder scan can be used to confirm this because if less urine is passed, the bladder has not been completely emptied after urination.

Question 3

What might free flow be used to investigate?

Answer 3

Voiding problems and storage problems

Question 4

What voiding problems might freeflow be used to investigate?

Answer 4

benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH
Pelvic Organ Prolapse-POP
Urethral Strictures
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Detrusor Sphincter Dyssynergia
Hypocontractile Bladder (residue formation and recurrent UTIs)
Neurogenic Bladder dysfunction

Question 5

What storage problems might freeflow be used to investigate?

Answer 5

OAB (overactive bladder) wet
OAB (overactive bladder) Dry
Bladder Outlet Obstruction - BOO
POP - Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Stricture
Reduced Compliance
Reflux
Bladder Cancer
Interstitial Cystitis and other bladder inflammatory conditions

Question 6

How is a free flow test carried out?

Answer 6

You’ll be asked to drink about 1 litre of fluid before the test and have a comfortably full bladder.
Youll be asked to pass urine into a special toilet.
This toilet measures how quickly your urine flows.
May be asked to do this more than once.

Question 7

How are results/scores discussed?

Answer 7

Bad results could mean the patient has a bladder problem such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlargement of the prostate gland, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, a urinary blockage, neurogenic bladder dysfunction

A decrease in urine flow could mean you have weak bladder muscles
An increase in urine flow may suggest an infection, disease, or injury of the bladder

Question 8

What are the limitations and risks of the free flow test?

Answer 8

No major risks.
May feel sick or get sick from drinking too much or too quickly.

Question 9

What is OAB dry?

Answer 9

high frequency and urgency of urination without leakage

Question 10

What is OAB wet?

Answer 10

high frequency and urgency of urination AND urge incontinence with leakage on the way to the toilet