Urodynamic studies (UDS test)


UDS tests are performed in the Outpatient Clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The test lasts about 45 – 60 minutes. After the test, patients are cleared for an appropriate surgery or conservative treatment. A sterile urine culture is a prerequisite for scheduling a UDS appointment. The result of a urine culture test is valid for 2 months. A patient needs our gynecologist’s referral and a positive result of a urine culture test to be eligible for a NHF-funded UDS test. Since the number of NHF-funded tests we can provide is limited, the scheduled appointment dates cannot be altered. Urine culture tests can be done in our Outpatient Clinic – the results are available within 5-7 days. Urianalysis – the test results are available the same day or 1 day after the test.

Urodynamic studies involve a number of specific tests which measure:

  • the volume of the urine passed and the urine flow rate
  • postvoid residual urine volume
  • the pressure inside / outside the bladder and in the urethra
  • efficiency of sphincters
  • pelvic floor muscle tone

The assessment of the above parameters requires the insertion of two catheters – into the bladder and the rectum. The test may cause temporary discomfort, but it should not be painful.

A complex urodynamic studies test comprises the following specific tests:

  • UROFLOWMETRY – (free flow rate testing)
  • CYSTOMETRY – (non-physiological bladder filling and the measurement of bladder pressure)
  • CYSTOMETRY WITH PRESSURE FLOW STUDY – (extended cystometry which involves a filling and an emptying phase with monitoring of all necessary parameters)
  • URETHRAL PRESSURE PROFILE – (evaluation of the functional length of the urethra and the urethral pressure)

The full test lasts 30-60 minutes and requires patient advance preparation. The Outpatient Clinic visits are available to NHF-funded and self-funding patients.
1How to prepare for the test?
If you want to obtain accurate and reliable results, you have to be properly prepared for your UDS test:

  • 1 week before the test – discontinue taking medications that can affect your bladder function, e.g., Cystrin, Detrusitol, Ditropan, Dreptane, Vesicare
  • the day before the test (in the evening) and on the day of the test (in the morning) – take a protective dose of Vitamin C 3x1 tablet and UroFuraginum 2x1tablet (over-the-counter medications)
  • on the day of the test – eat your breakfast and drink 2-3 glasses of water or another beverage; do not limit your fluid intake during the day
  • take your regular medications as you would normally do, e.g., arterial hypertension medications
  • if constipated, use a rectal glycerin suppository the day before the test (in the evening)
  • before the test, your urinary bladder has to be physiologically filled, but not overfilled; that is why you should not urinate immediately before the test
  • bring along your test referral and the urine culture result (available in the Specialist Clinic, tel. +48 600 190 433 or 22 53 69 320)
  • supply a list of regularly taken medications and your medical documentation covering the last few years (description of tests, information charts from hospital stays)

Your proper preparation is very important for the success of further medical management.

THE TEST IS CONDUCTED BY

Urodynamic studies (UDS test)

Elżbieta Klara Kaden, MA

midwife, urogynecological therapist

Urogynecological therapist taking care of women rehabilitation for many years. She continues studies at Oteopathy Academy under Osteopatic European Academic Network. Using osteopathological manual methods of body work, constantly improves her qualifications on many specialistic courses. She completed three educational modules of german Physio Pelvica method and multimodule traninig with accreditation of Polish Urogynecological Association. She has 10 year expirience in lesser pelvis muscle and nervous system diagnostics (sEMG test), EMG-biofeedback and electrostimulaion.