Short-term reproducibility of cystometry and pressure-flow micturition studies in healthy women

AIMS: To evaluate the reproducibility of cystometry and pressure flow studies in women. We wanted to explore any clinically relevant effect of repeated, same-session cystometry.

METHODS: Thirty healthy women with a mean age of 52 years were investigated with repeat medium-fill water cystometry and pressure-flow micturition studies in a single session.

RESULTS: Large test-retest variability was noted, with wide limits of agreement. Of statistical significance was an increase of first desire (FD) and normal desire (ND), and a decrease in bladder opening pressure. Maximum cystometric capacity was unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the nature of the conditioning effect of the first fill remains to be explored, the phenomenon could possibly be used for improved urodynamic diagnosis.