Pediatric urodynamics study (UDS) is a group of tests done for the assessment of how well the child’s bladder is functioning. The study measures following physiological functions-
- The functions of the bladder, urethra and pelvic floor muscles
- The bladder pressures while it stores and empties urine
- The urinary flow and the muscle activity at the same time.
UDS includes a series of clinical tests, like Uroflowmetry, Filling Cystometry, Pressure-flow studies and Urethral sphincter pressures(EMG).
The UDS tracks the filling of the bladder and monitors the pressures inside the bladder and simultaneously it also assesses the function of the urinary sphincter muscles with the help of the electromyography (EMG) of these sphincter muscles. Once the bladder is filled it then assesses the voiding pattern.
This is an important study in children with voiding dysfunction, neurogenic bladder, urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms.
Parameters of a UDS not only diagnose the bladder function problems in the children, but also help a urologist to determine the best way to treat the urologic condition, whether through medication, behavioral therapy, surgery or a combination of these. Additionally, through this study, we can also determine the response to the therapy initiated
Those of our colleagues interested in further details on above can get directly in touch with Dr Prashant Jain, Senior Consultant & Director, Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, at docpedsurg@gmail.com or Dr Ashish Prasad at prasadashish@gmail.com
Post Picture courtesy http://www.pedsurgerydelhi.com
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