Uroflowmetry

What is Uroflowmetry?

Uroflowmetry is the simplest form of urodynamic testing, providing much information to the physician about the quality of urination. It is a non-invasive examination with the use of a device recording the flow of urine while the patient urinates inside. In other words, it gives a clear and reliable evaluation of the urine flow rate (how easily or hard urine passes out).

When is Uroflowmetry performed?

Uroflowmetry is usually done when the patient reports lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The most common LUTS are difficulty in urinating,  sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, urinary frequency or urgency, and nocturia. It may also be useful in evaluating children with special urinary problems, such as persistent nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting) and incomplete bladder emptying.

What preparation is needed for Uroflowmetry?

You will be asked to drink water and have a normal (not intense) desire to urinate. Only then are the uroflowmetric results considered to be reliable. You are allowed to have eaten a light snack before.

How is Uroflowmetry performed?

Your physician will show the device to the patient and explain that s/he has to urinate into the funnel. The patient will then stay alone and has to give a ‘representative’ urination, i.e. urinate as normally done at home. In case of doubt or abnormal values, you may be asked to repeat the test. In the end, the physician records the residual urine (amount of urine remaining in the bladder) with the use of ultrasound.

How are Uroflowmetry results interpreted?

Various parameters are recorded by the device (e.g. maximum urine flow rate, urine volume and duration of urination) to detect any potentially occurring urinary tract obstruction that causes difficulty in urinating. This usually occurs in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or urethral stenosis, as well as women with large uterine or bladder prolapse, who have difficulty in urinating.