ABSTRACT
The lower urinary tract is responsible for the storage and evacuation of urine. Storage should occur at low pressure in order to assure continence and protection of the kidneys, and evacuation should be voluntary. However, a variety of problems may arise which interfere with these two basic functions. Urodynamics (UDS) is the dynamic study of the transport, storage, and evacuation of urine by the urinary tract. It comprises a number of tests which individually or collectively can be used to gain invaluable information about lower urinary tract function. The term “urodynamics” was first described by Davis in 1953, but the study of bladder pressure began in earnest in the late 19th century.1,2
Components of UDS include from simple, non-invasive tests such as uroflowmetry, to more sophisticated, invasive multichannel pressureflow studies with sphincter electromyography and video-fluoroscopy (videourodynamics). The following is a review of UDS with an emphasis on the diagnostic evaluation of detrusor overactivity and related conditions. The terminology used conforms to the standards recommended by the International Continence Society (ICS), except where specifically noted, and is intended to provide an effective means of communication between clinicians.3
