Cystometry

Cystometry may be done on an outpatient basis. This means you go home the same day. Or it may be done during a hospital stay. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.

You will need to remove your clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the test.

If you are asked to remove your clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.

You will be asked to empty your bladder as well as you can before starting.

You will be placed on your back on an exam table.

A soft, flexible tube (catheter) will be put in through the urethra until it reaches the bladder. You may have some mild pain when this is done.

The amount of urine left in your bladder will be measured. (This is called residual urine.)

Another catheter or pressure probe may be put into the rectum or vagina to measure pressure in the belly. Or electrodes may be stuck to your skin on either side of the anal opening to measure muscle function.

A small amount of room temperature fluid will be put through the catheter into the bladder. Next, an equal amount of warmed fluid will be put in. You will be asked to describe what you feel when this is done, such as warmth, the need to urinate, discomfort or pain, or nausea.

The fluid will be drained out through the catheter.

The catheter will be connected to a measuring device called a cystometer (a tool that measures bladder pressure).

Fluid or gas will be slowly put through the catheter into the bladder. You will be asked to tell when you first feel the urge to urinate and when you feel like you must urinate. Bladder pressure will be recorded during this time.

When the bladder is completely full, you will be asked to empty your bladder while pressure is being recorded. A portable commode chair will be available for you and the catheters will stay in place.

In some cases, medicine that can affect the bladder’s muscle tone may be given, and the test will be repeated in 20 to 30 minutes.

When all tests have been done, the catheter will be removed. The rectal probe or sticky electrodes will also be removed.

You may have discomfort during this test, such as flushing, sweating, nausea, pain, bladder filling, and urgent need to urinate. Tell the healthcare provider how you are feeling.