Differences in urodynamic voiding variables recorded by conventional cystometry and ambulatory monitoring in symptomatic women

Objectives

To determine whether there are differences in pressure and flow measurements between conventional cystometry (CONV) and ambulatory urodynamic monitoring (AMB) in women with overactive bladder syndrome and urinary incontinence.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study which included female subjects who underwent both CONV (with saline filling medium) and AMB, separated by less than 24 months, not using medication active on the lower urinary tract and without history of prior pelvic surgery. Both tests were carried out in compliance with the International Continence Society standards. The paired Student’s t test was used to compare continuous variables. Bland-Altman statistics were used to assess the agreement of each variable between both studies.

Results

Thirty women with a median (range) age of 50 (14 - 73) years met the inclusion criteria. AMB was carried out at a mean (SD) of 11 (6) months after CONV. Measurements of p_ves and p_abd at the end of filling, and Q_max were significantly higher from AMB recordings. There were no differences in p_det at the end of filling, p_detQmax or p_detmax during voiding, nor significant difference in V_void.

Conclusions

We provide previously undocumented comparative voiding data between CONV and AMB for patients who most commonly require both investigations. Our findings show higher values of Q_max but similar values of p_detQmax measured by AMB which may partly reflect an overall lower catheter caliber, physiological filling but perhaps also more ‘normal’ voiding conditions.

Monitoring, Ambulatory; Complementary Therapies; Female; Urodynamics