Voiding Disorders

What are the investigations of voiding disorders?

When you consult your doctor, a detailed history is first obtained, followed by a comprehensive urogynaecological and neurological examination to ascertain the possible causes of voiding disorders. Various investigations may be ordered and these include:

• Uroflowmetry: It measures the rate of urine flow during voiding.
• Residual Urine Volume: It is the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after voiding. It is measured either by scan or by putting a tube into the bladder to drain out the urine.
• Cystometry: The bladder pressure is measured during voiding. It can diagnose the bladder muscle that is not contracting normally during voiding.
• Electromyography: It defects the contractions of the sphincter muscles during voiding.
• Radiology: It includes X-rays and ultrasound scan to look for tumour, diverticulum and foreign body of the bladder, or enlarged kidneys caused by voiding disorders.
• Cystoscopy: To look into the bladder and the urethra for foreign body, diverticulum or tumour.