Register or Login
  Search
  
You are here: Home > Health A to Z > Cystometric study

Health A to Z

 


Cystometric study

Definition
Why the test is performed
Alternative Names
Normal Values
How the test is performed
What abnormal results mean
How to prepare for the test
What the risks are
How the test will feel
Special considerations


 Definition  

Cystometric study measures the amount of fluid present in the bladder when you first feel the need to urinate, when you are able to sense fullness, and when your bladder is completely full.

 Alternative Names  

CMG; cystometrogram

 How the test is performed  

You will be asked to void (urinate). The time it takes you to begin voiding, and the size, force, and continuity of your urinary stream will be recorded. The amount of urine, how long it took you to empty your bladder, and any straining, hesitancy, or dribbling that occurred are recorded.

You lie down, and a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is gently positioned in your bladder to measure and record any urine left in the bladder. A catheter is then placed in your rectum, and measuring electrodes are placed near the rectum (perineum).

Next, thermal sensation is measured. Room-temperature saline solution is placed into the bladder, followed by warm water. You will tell the health care provider what, if any, sensations you feel. The water is then drained from the bladder.

A a tube used to monitor bladder pressure (cystometer) is then connected to the catheter. Water or carbon dioxide gas is slowly introduced into the bladder at a controlled rate. You will be asked to tell the provider when you first feel the need to urinate. When the bladder is full, you must urinate, and the pressure of this urination is recorded.

The bladder is again drained of any urine or water, and the catheter is removed.

 How to prepare for the test  

No special preparations are necessary for this test.

For infants and children, preparation depends on the child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

  • Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
  • Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
  • Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

 How the test will feel  

There is some discomfort associated with this test. You may experience pain, flushing, sweating, nausea, bladder filling, and an urgent need to urinate.

 Why the test is performed  

The test will help determine the cause of bladder-voiding dysfunction.

 Normal Values  

Normal values vary and should be discussed with your health care provider.

 What abnormal results mean  

The test might indicate a cause for urinary tract infection, diminished bladder capacity, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, bladder outlet obstruction such as benign prostatic disease, or overactive bladder.

 What the risks are  

There is a slight risk of urinary tract infection and blood in the urine.

 Special considerations  

This test should not be done if you have a known urinary tract infection. Existing infection increases the possibility of false test results, and the test itself increases the possibility of spreading the infection.

Review date: 10/24/2006

Reviewed By: Marc Greenstein, D.O., North Jersey Center for Urologic Care, Denville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


Home | Medical Info | Cool Tools
Who We Are | Editorial Guidelines | Contact Us | FAQ | Registration | Privacy

All contents copyright © Consumer Health Interactive, a division of Caremark, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Consumer Health Interactive makes this Web site available free to users for the sole purposes of providing educational information on health-related issues and providing access to health-related resources. This Web site's health-related information and resources are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians. Please review the Terms of Use before using this Web site. Your use of this Web site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

This Web site was produced by
CAREMARK

We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation
We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify here.
URAC Health Web Site Accreditation Seal Editorial Team Medical Review Board
Medical Review Board and Editorial Team

-