Women's urology

The urodynamic test assesses the function of the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra, in terms of pressure, volume, and flow. This test is necessary to accurately diagnose the nature and type of the problem causing urinary incontinence (uncontrolled loss of urine) to tailor an appropriate treatment that reduces activity limitations and improves the quality of life.

To measure pressure in the bladder, a catheter is inserted into the bladder for filling and measuring the pressure inside it using sensors on the catheter. An additional narrow catheter is inserted into the rectum to measure pressure internally.

During the test, conducted in a sitting or lying position, the bladder is filled with sterile fluid. While the bladder is being filled, you will be asked to indicate your sensation until the point where you cannot hold it any longer and have the urge to void, while simultaneously checking for any urine leakage.

At this stage, you will be asked to empty your bladder into a measuring container to assess urine flow while monitoring pressures in both catheters. At the end of the test, the catheters will be removed.

Cystoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows visual examination of the urethra and urinary bladder.

During the test, various conditions and disorders of the urinary system can be diagnosed, such as tumors, strictures, blockages in the urethra or urinary passage, bladder or kidney stones, abnormalities in the bladder or urethral lining, fistulas (abnormal connections between different spaces), and adjacent organs like the intestines or uterus.

Why is the test performed?

The main indications for the test include blood in the urine (hematuria), recurrent infections, urinary flow disturbances, suspected growths or tumors, preparation for urinary tract surgeries, and follow-up after removal and treatment of bladder tumors.

The test helps in reaching a medical diagnosis and determining appropriate treatment. Sometimes, therapeutic interventions such as widening of the urethra or removal of small growths can be performed during the procedure.

Biofeedback is a technique used to teach children to identify and become aware of the muscles they can control to regulate their patterns of change. Muscle contraction is intended to prevent urinary leakage, while relaxation is intended to facilitate proper bladder emptying.

What is the biofeedback technique intended for?

The biofeedback technique is effective for individuals with various problems in controlling their bladder, such as:

- People who cannot fully empty their bladder
- People who exert effort to urinate
- People who experience urgency in urination (difficulty holding back)
- People who continue to suffer from lack of control despite other treatment attempts

This is a diagnostic test used to visualize the bladder, rectum, and pelvic floor muscles using ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves). The test allows for the evaluation of muscle function, detection of muscle tears, identification of fistulas (abnormal connections between different spaces), scars, and more.

The test is performed using a transrectal ultrasound probe, which is inserted through the rectum, allowing the physician to view the images on a screen. In some cases, TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) can also be used to perform most of the tests on the prostate gland, including biopsies in cases where there is suspicion of prostate pathology.

Diagnostic imaging provides a detailed picture of the structure and function of internal organs using sound waves. Doppler ultrasound is commonly used in cases where there is a problem with blood flow, both internal and external, and its purpose is to detect changes in blood movement in order to determine how to address the issue.

Penile Doppler ultrasound is one of the comprehensive tests used to assess sexual function. To examine the genital organ, an injection is administered to induce an erection. The injection causes the arteries to dilate and blood flow to increase. The physician then scans the area using an ultrasound probe, which measures the speed of blood flow internally and externally, transmitting the data directly to a computer for analysis.