Diagnosis of voiding dysfunction by pressure-flow study in women

摘要

Pressure-flow study(PFS)of micturition is the best method to quantitatively analyse voiding function.It allows us to distinguish voiding lower urinary tract symptoms and low urine flow rate caused by bladder outlet obstruction(BOO)from those caused by detrusor underactivity(DU).Voiding dynamics are significantly different in men and women and the established criteria for urodynamic diagnosis in men do not apply to women.Basic principles of voiding mechanics and voiding patterns in asymptomatic women are analyzed.Although attempts have been made to establish a consensus for diagnosis of BOO in women with pressure-flow cutoff,video-urodynamics criteria and nomograms,currently there is no consensus.There is no standard urodynamic test to diagnose and quantify DU in women for which further investigations are needed.Modified projected isovolumetric pressure(to assess detrusor contraction strength)and pressure-flow cutoff criteria have been used.The diagnosis of voiding dysfunction in women is challenging,requiring PFS with very good quality control and often involves integrating clinical and radiographic data to make the final assessment.