Videourodynaaminen

Videourodynaaminen, often referred to as videourodynamic studies or VUDS, is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate bladder function. It combines traditional urodynamic testing with real-time imaging, typically fluoroscopy, to visualize the urinary tract during the filling and voiding phases. This allows healthcare professionals to assess not only the pressures and flow rates within the bladder and urethra but also the anatomical changes occurring simultaneously.

The procedure involves inserting a small catheter into the bladder to fill it with a contrast medium, which is visible under X-ray. Another catheter may be placed in the rectum to measure abdominal pressure, a factor that can influence bladder pressure readings. As the bladder fills, the patient may be asked to report sensations of fullness and the urge to void. Once the bladder is full or the patient feels the need to urinate, the filling catheter is removed, and the patient is asked to void while the X-ray captures images.

Videourodynaaminen studies are particularly useful in diagnosing complex lower urinary tract disorders. These include neurogenic bladder dysfunction, such as that seen in spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, where nerve signals to the bladder are impaired. It can also help identify vesicoureteral reflux, where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys, and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, a condition where the bladder muscle and the urethral sphincter do not coordinate properly during voiding. The visual information provided by VUDS aids in a more precise diagnosis and helps guide treatment strategies.