Radiology
Your extravasation
Your consultant has asked that you attend for a urodynamics test. This leaflet is designed to explain what the examination involves. The examination will be carried out in the radiology (x-ray) department at the James Cook University Hospital or The Friarage Hospital.
If you are unable to attend, please contact us immediately to rearrange. This will allow us to use the appointment for another patient. Telephone: 01642 850850, Ext. 58249
What is the examination for?
Urodynamic tests are to help understand how well your bladder, urethra (tube through which urine passes out of the body), and associated muscles function.
These tests are carried out to diagnose many different urinary issues such as incontinence (unintentional passing of urine), urgency, or difficulty with emptying.
Urodynamic investigations help in deciding the best course of treatment; this could involve a surgical procedure, although many issues can often be treated using medication and specific exercises.
Preparation for the examination
- Fluid and Medication Management:
You may be asked to limit fluid intake before the test.
Please stop taking any medications you are using to manage bladder symptoms, such as, oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin, and mirabegron before the test.
- If for any reason you are unable to stop these medications, please let the doctor, nurse, or radiographer know when you come in for the test. Also tell them about any allergies you have and medications you take regularly.
- Bladder Preparation:
You might be asked to avoid emptying your bladder for a certain amount of time before the test. Arriving with a comfortably full bladder will enable better assessment.
What the test involves
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. The radiographer or performing practitioner will talk to you and explain what will happen.
You will first be asked to empty your bladder on the commode before lying on the x-ray examination table.
- Catheter Insertion:
A thin tube is inserted into the bladder through the urethra or abdomen, along with another into the rectum or vagina.. - Bladder Filling:
The bladder will be slowly filled with contrast, which is a clear fluid that shows up on the x-rays, while assessing bladder sensations and activities. - Bladder Function Assessment:
Measures bladder pressure changes and checks urine flow rates This is when you may be asked to cough.
After the examination
You can return to your normal daily activities. It is advised that you increase the amount you drink slightly after the examination, to prevent dehydration.
The results of the test
The performing clinician will look at your x-rays and results and speak with you after your procedure.
Risks and benefits
Risks:
Urodynamic tests are generally safe; however, some individuals might experience:
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A small risk associated with catheter insertion.
- Discomfort and Bleeding: Possible discomfort during urination and mild bleeding following the procedure.
- Radiation risk: If you are getting video urodynamics (use of x-ray during the study), there may be a risk for cell damage, which may turn cancerous due to the X-rays ionising radiation. (See Radiation dose and risk section of this leaflet)
- Rare Complications: Catheter displacement, inability to pass the catheter, urinary retention or, in rare cases, the need for further tests or a repeat procedure.
Benefits:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Provides important information about your bladder function.
- Treatment Guidance: Helps decide what is the best treatment options for individual cases.
Further reading
British Association of Urological Surgeons –https://www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Patients/Leaflets/Urodynamics.pdf
Is there anything I should tell the staff?
For patients with ovaries, between the ages of 12 and 55, the x-ray department has a legal responsibility to ensure that this examination is performed within ten days of the first day of your menstrual period.
If you have special needs or disabilities, please contact the Urology department on 01642 850850, Ext. 58249
What about transport to the hospital?
Transport has not been arranged for this appointment. If an ambulance is required, please contact your GP at least 48 hours before the appointment date. All car parks are pay and display.
Radiation dose and risk
X-rays use ionising radiation which can cause cell damage that may, after many years ordecades, turn cancerous. The risk of this happening is very small compared to the normal lifetime risk of developing cancer which is 1 in 2. We are also all exposed to background radiation every day.
The risk of long-term effects is considered when the healthcare team decide whether someone needs an x-ray examination and radiation doses are kept as low as possible. For this examination radiation dose levels are typically equivalent to around 6 to 12 months of background radiation. The associated risk is less than 1 in 10,000 – Very Low.
Contact us
If you require further information regarding the scheduling of the appointment please contact Urology on:
Telephone: 01642 850850 Ext. 58249
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the patient experience department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print by emailing: [email protected]