urodynamics
Women’s Health Plus offers urodynamics testing at our Adelaide women’s health centre. Urodynamics assesses the ability of the bladder, sphincter and urethra to fill, store and release urine, and involves a number of procedures that are designed to measure this. The results are then used for planning subsequent treatment and therapy.
We recommend urodynamic testing for women who are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
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Urinary incontinence
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Advanced prolapse
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Urgency, with frequent or painful urination
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Voiding issues (difficulty starting or completing the void)
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Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI)
There are several parts to a urodynamic assessment. The first stage involves voiding on a special toilet, which measures the flow and volume of urine. Following this, an ultrasound scan of the bladder is taken. The next step involves the insertion of a small catheter into the urethra to the bladder, and another into the back passage. The bladder is then slowly filled with sterile water and pressure recordings are taken. After this, the bladder is then emptied naturally and the catheters are removed.
Urodynamic testing is not painful and you can expect the procedure to last between 20 - 30 minutes. Results are generated in real time and so are available immediately on completion of the tests, at which time you will have a consultation with Dr Maghazaji to discuss the findings, as well as the appropriate aftercare procedures.
As a result of urodynamic testing, we are then able to recommend the most suitable programs of treatment and therapy. These might include:
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Lifestyle management
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Proper bowel and bladder care
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Bladder retraining and behavioural modifications
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Pelvic floor education and rehabilitation
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Biofeedback training
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Medical treatment (i.e. anticholinergics)
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Surgery
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Sacral nerve stimulation (i.e. a bladder pacemaker)
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Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
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Referral to other specialties (i.e. a colorectal surgeon)
Urodynamic testing is attended by Dr Maghazaji, who has decades of experience working in this area. At Women’s Health Plus we understand that urodynamic testing may be uncomfortable or confronting, and therefore, assessments are always carried out in a caring and supportive environment.
For patients who have travelled to our clinic from country or regional South Australia, our staff are always on hand to help in the completion of Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) forms. We can also assist in completing Continence Aids Payment Scheme applications.