Uroflowmetry and pressure/flow study of voiding in women.

BACKGROUND

Uroflowmetry and pressure-flow study are procedures used for the evaluation of micturition.

METHODS

Uroflowmetry is mainly a screening test to pick up abnormal voiding patterns and an abnormal trace warrants further investigation. A certain test-retest variation exists in terms of flow-rates and pattern.

CONCLUSION

Uroflowmetry is not helpful in diagnosing the types of incontinence found in women and its value as a routine test in the assessment of incontinent patients remains to be documented. Pressure-flow study of voiding enables the differentiation between true obstruction and of a hypoactive detrusor function. Test-retest variation of the obtained parameters, however, is significant. The role of pressure-flow study voiding in the preoperative assessment of patients with stress incontinence needs clarification.