Gynaecology
Video-urodynamic study is a detailed special test of your bladder function that involves X-ray images and pressure measurement using catheters. It helps us diagnose your problem and offer the best treatment accordingly.
Why do I need this test?
Your consultant will only refer you for video-urodynamics, if they believe that the test is important in determining the correct treatment for your bladder problems, especially if an operation is planned for incontinence or prolapse.
If basic management options (such as adjusting your fluid intake, bladder training, pelvic floor exercises or medications) fail, or if you have many different bladder problems, a video-urodynamics test is needed before offering any invasive procedure.
Is any preparation required?
Please allow one hour for the test and the consultation following it.
You can eat and drink as usual before the test, it does not require any dieting or fasting as no anaesthetic is required.
Please stop taking prescribed tablets for your bladder 1 week before the test, unless you have been advised by us to continue taking them during the days leading up to the test. These include:
- Tolterodine (Detrusitol™)
- Solifenacin (Vesicare™)
- Mirabegron (Betmiga™)
- Trospium (Regurin™)
- Oxybutynin (Ditropan™, Lyrinel™, Kentera™)
- Darifenacin,
- Fesoterodine (Toviaz™)
- Duloxetine (Yentreve™).
Take any other medications as usual, unless advised otherwise. If you are usually constipated, please make sure you have a bowel motion the day before the test and arrive with an empty bowel if possible.
If you are able, please arrive with a comfortably full bladder. If you are unable to avoid emptying your bladder, then please do not worry.
If you have been given or fitted with a pessary for prolapse, please come along with the pessary.
The test can be carried out during menstruation (your period) provided that you do not use a tampon, but we will understand if you prefer to rearrange the test for a different date.
If you were asked to do so, please ensure that you complete the 3-day bladder diary form and bring it with you to your appointment, before the test.
If you experience new urine infection symptoms (burning on passing urine) the week before your test, please see your GP for treatment, and let us know so we can rearrange the test for another date.
The test cannot be done if you are pregnant or if there is doubt that you may be as it involves radiation.
Are there any precautions?
If you have not been through the menopause you need to ensure you are not pregnant as x-rays are performed as part of this test. If there are doubts around this issue then your test will be cancelled on the day.
Please let us know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast medium
(dye) or latex.
Who will conduct the test and what does it involve?
The test is carried out in the radiology department at both the James Cook University Hospital and the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.
Initially, a sample of your urine will be tested for infection using a dipstick. If there is evidence of infection, we will prescribe you some antibiotics to treat the infection and we may postpone your procedure until the infection is cleared.
You will first be asked to change into a hospital gown. Then a female nurse or practitioner will take you to the x-ray room, where there will be a radiographer, a doctor (consultant urogynaecologist), a technician and a female nurse. A trainee or a student nurse may also be present during the test.
The doctor or the nurse will pass a thin tube (catheter) into your bladder to measure the bladder pressure and fill it up with a liquid contrast (dye). Another thin tube will be inserted into your back passage or vagina to measure the pressure in your tummy. The tubes (catheters) will be connected to a computer for the duration of the test. X-ray pictures will be taken throughout the test. You will be asked to report when your bladder starts to feel full during the test, as well as any other symptoms you notice throughout. You may be asked to cough, strain, stand-up and bounce on your heels during the test, according to your mobility and bladder symptoms.
Your privacy will be respected at all times but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee an all-female staff during this test.
Do not worry! It is not a painful test but could be slightly uncomfortable.
Feel free to ask questions. Everyone will do their best to make you feel at ease.
Please do not be embarrassed if you leak during the test, as we will intentionally fill your bladder to observe this.
What happens after the test?
If a doctor is present, they will explain the results and discuss the treatment options after the test has finished. Otherwise, the results will be sent to your consultant who will arrange your next appointment.
You may notice a small amount of blood in your urine and feel a slight discomfort in your bladder for 24 hours following the test. It is therefore a good idea to increase the amount of fluids you drink, immediately after the test and for the first 24 to 48 hours, to reduce the risk of a urine infection.
This risk of urine infection is minimal (between 1 in 10 and 1 in 50 patients). If you are still getting bladder irritation symptoms 24 hours after the test, then please contact your GP for advice as you may need treatment.
Video urodynamics is considered a low dose examination, and the amount of radiation is kept to a minimum. This is equivalent to the amount of background radiation that you naturally receive over 3 to 5 weeks. The radiographer is responsible for making sure that your dose is kept as low as possible and that the benefits of having the x-ray outweigh the risks.
All usual activities are permitted after the test.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm:
- James Cook University Hospital – Telephone: 01642 854681
- Friarage Hospital Northallerton – Telephone: 01609 763075
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]