What is Cystometry?

Cystometry is a test to check how well your bladder fills and empties. Your bladder, which is part of your urinary system, is a hollow, muscular organ that relaxes and stretches to hold urine.

The test measures how much urine your bladder can hold and compares that to the pressure inside the bladder and how full it feels to you. This helps your doctor understand how your bladder muscles and nerves are working. Usually, your bladder sends signals to your brain when it's full, and your brain signals the bladder to empty. You can usually control this reflex by holding your urine until you're ready to go.

However, certain conditions can affect the muscles or nerve signals between the bladder and brain, leading to a loss of bladder control or urine blockage. Cystometry can help pinpoint the cause of these issues.

Why would a doctor recommend cystometry?

A doctor might suggest cystometry to investigate problems with your bladder and urethra. These problems can be caused by various conditions, such as:

Neurogenic bladder dysfunction: This is when a nervous system issue, like a tumor or spinal cord injury, affects how your bladder works.
Spinal cord injury
Multiple sclerosis: A condition affecting the central nervous system that interferes with brain-to-body communication.
Diabetes: This condition, where the body can't use sugar for energy, can lead to nerve damage.

Issues with the urinary system can also result from ageing, other illnesses, or injuries.

Sometimes, weak bladder muscles can cause you not to be able to empty your bladder completely, a condition called urinary retention. Other times, weak pelvic and urinary tract muscles can cause a loss of bladder control because they can't contract tightly enough to hold urine in. Or, your bladder may not have enough support from the pelvic muscles to stay in the correct position. Cystometry can help identify the reason for these symptoms.

Your doctor may have other reasons for ordering this test based on your health.

Purpose of Cystometry

Cystometry is a diagnostic test that evaluates how well your bladder fills, stores, and empties urine. It helps your doctor understand how your bladder muscles and nerves are working. The test is often recommended for patients who have urinary problems such as difficulty emptying the bladder, loss of bladder control, or frequent urinary tract infections.

Cystometry can identify issues caused by conditions like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, aging, or weak pelvic muscles. It is particularly helpful in diagnosing neurogenic bladder dysfunction and other bladder or urethra disorders.

Benefits of Cystometry

Provides detailed information about bladder capacity and pressure.
Detects abnormalities in bladder muscle or nerve function.
Helps find the cause of urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder completely).
Identifies reasons for urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control).
Assists in planning treatment or surgery for bladder problems.
Monitors bladder function after injury or surgery.
Safe and minimally invasive compared to surgical evaluation.

Are there any risks with cystometry?

While generally safe, there are some potential risks, including:

A urinary tract infection (UTI).
A severe reaction called autonomic dysreflexia occurs in people with a spinal cord injury or tumor. Symptoms include a bad headache, high blood pressure, slow heart rate, sweating, and flushing.

Cystometry should not be performed if you currently have a urinary tract infection.

Other risks might exist depending on your individual health condition. It is important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have before the procedure. Factors like straining to urinate and certain medications can also affect the test results.

How do I prepare for cystometry?

Your doctor will explain the procedure, and you should ask any questions you have. You'll likely need to sign a consent form, so read it carefully and ask if anything is unclear.

Generally, you don't need to fast or limit fluids.

Tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant.
Inform them about any allergies or sensitivities to medications, latex, tape, or anesthesia.
Provide a list of all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbs, vitamins, and supplements.
Mention if you have a history of blood-clotting issues or if you're taking blood thinners like aspirin. You might be told to stop taking these medications before the test.
Let your doctor know if you think you have a urinary tract infection. Symptoms include frequent urination, pain or burning when you urinate, fever, and dark, cloudy, or reddish, foul-smelling urine.
You may be given an antibiotic to take a day or two before the procedure to prevent a UTI.
If you have constipation issues, you might need to use an enema beforehand.

Your doctor may provide other specific instructions based on your health.

What happens during a cystometry test?

Cystometry can be done in an outpatient clinic or during a hospital stay. The exact process can vary.

Generally, the procedure follows these steps:

You will be asked to remove your clothes, jewellery, or other items that might get in the way, and you will be given a gown to wear.
You will be asked to urinate as much as you can before the test starts.
You'll lie on your back on an exam table.
A soft, flexible catheter tube will gently insert through your urethra into your bladder. You might feel a little discomfort.
The amount of urine left in your bladder (known as residual urine) will be measured.
Another catheter or pressure probe may be inserted into your rectum or vagina to measure abdominal pressure. Alternatively, electrodes might be taped to the skin near your anus to check muscle function.
Small amounts of room-temperature and warm fluid will be injected into your bladder through the catheter. You'll be asked to describe any sensations, such as warmth, a need to urinate, pain, or discomfort.
The fluid will then be withdrawn.
The catheter will be connected to a cystometer machine that measures bladder pressure.
Fluid or gas will be slowly put into your bladder through the catheter. You will be asked to say when you first need to urinate and when you feel a strong urge to go. Bladder pressure is measured at these times.
Once your bladder is full, you'll be asked to urinate while pressure is still being measured. This may be done on a portable commode chair, with the catheters still in place. Medication that affects your bladder muscles might be given in some cases, and the test will be repeated after 20 to 30 minutes.
Once all the tests are complete, the catheter and any other probes or electrodes will be removed.

You might feel some discomfort during the process, including flushing, sweating, nausea, pain, or an urgent need to urinate. Be sure to let the healthcare provider know how you're feeling.

What happens after cystometry?

No special follow-up care is needed after a cystometry test. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you can usually return to your normal diet and activities.

You should drink extra fluids to help dilute your urine and reduce discomfort, such as a burning sensation when urinating. This discomfort should improve over time. Warm sitz baths or tub baths can also help.

It's normal to have some blood in your urine after the procedure, which should decrease over time. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent a urinary tract infection.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

Fever and/or chills
Stomach discomfort
Persistent or increasing blood in your urine
Urinating less than usual

Your doctor may give you other follow-up instructions based on your specific situation.

What should I know before giving my consent?

Before you agree to any test or procedure, make sure you understand the following:

The name of the test or procedure.
Why you need to have it done.
What the results will show and what they mean.
The risks and benefits of the test.
Any potential side effects or complications.
When and where the test will take place.
Who will perform the procedure and their qualifications.
What would happen if you chose not to have the test.
Any other tests or procedures you should consider.
When and how you'll receive the results.
Who to contact if you have questions or problems afterward.
How much the procedure will cost.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Cystometry in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Cystometry in Lucknow, India. Our expert urologists use advanced tools to give accurate results, quick diagnosis, and better long-term care. We offer the best evaluation and treatment support with effective and affordable pricing, making the Cystometry cost suitable for patients seeking high-quality urology care in Lucknow, India.