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Urodynamic Clinic

Urodynamics is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and efficiency of the urinary system.

It involves measuring and assessing how the bladder, urethra, and associated muscles store and release urine. Urodynamic testing helps identify and diagnose various urinary conditions and provides valuable information for treatment planning.

During urodynamic testing, different parameters are measured, such as bladder pressure, urine flow rate, bladder capacity, and the coordination between the bladder and sphincter muscles. This information helps urologists and healthcare providers understand the underlying causes of urinary dysfunction and develop appropriate treatment plans.

Common Conditions Requiring Urodynamic Testing:

  • Overview: Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine, leading to social and hygienic challenges.
  • Causes: Weak pelvic floor muscles, sphincter dysfunction, nerve damage, anatomical abnormalities, certain medications.
  • Symptoms: Leakage of urine during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion.
  • Treatment: Behavioural therapies (pelvic floor exercises, bladder training), medications, surgical interventions, devices (such as pessaries or urethral inserts).
  • Overview: OAB is a condition characterised by a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate, often accompanied by frequency and nocturia (frequent nighttime urination).
  • Causes: Bladder muscle overactivity, neurological conditions, bladder irritants, hormonal imbalances.
  • Symptoms: Urgency to urinate, frequency (urinating more than usual), nocturia.
  • Treatment: Behavioural therapies, medications (anticholinergics, beta-3 adrenergic agonists), neuromodulation techniques, botox injections into the bladder, sacral nerve stimulation.
  • Overview: Neurogenic bladder refers to dysfunction of the urinary bladder due to nerve damage or neurological conditions.
  • Causes: Spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, diabetic neuropathy.
  • Symptoms: Incontinence, urinary retention, difficulty initiating or completing urination.
  • Treatment: Catheterisation, medications to manage bladder function, behavioural techniques, neuromodulation, surgical interventions.
  • Overview: Bladder outlet obstruction occurs when there is a blockage or resistance to urine flow from the bladder to the urethra.
  • Causes: Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), urethral stricture, bladder or urethral tumours.
  • Symptoms: Weak urine flow, difficulty initiating or maintaining urination, incomplete bladder emptying.
  • Treatment: Medications to relax the bladder neck or shrink prostate tissue, minimally invasive procedures (TURP, laser surgery), surgery for severe cases.
  • Overview: SUI is the involuntary leakage of urine during physical activities or movements that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
  • Causes: Weakness or damage to the pelvic floor muscles or sphincter, childbirth, menopause, anatomical factors.
  • Symptoms: Leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure.
  • Treatment: Behavioural therapies, pelvic floor muscle exercises, vaginal devices (pessaries), sling procedures, urethral bulking agents, surgical interventions.

It is important to note that urodynamics testing provides valuable information to guide treatment decisions, but treatment options can vary depending on the specific condition and individual circumstances. A thorough evaluation and discussion with a urologist or healthcare provider are crucial to determine the appropriate treatment plan for each patient.

Our Urologists who specialise in Urodynamic testing:

Dr Elizabeth Dally

BMed, MASurg, DCH, PGDipEpid, FRACS

Paediatric Urologist

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Dr Paul Kovac

MBBS, FRACS

Urologist

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Our team of specialist urologists provide leading care to patients across the Illawarra region. Experience and training you can rely on.

At South Coast Urology, we offer comprehensive, clinically excellent, multidisciplinary urological care. We run clinics in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Nowra and operate at leading private hospitals across the Illawarra.

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Mon ~ Thurs: 8am to 5pm

Fri: 8am to 4pm

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Wollongong

(02) 4271 6644

Nowra

(02) 4444 1951

Shellharbour

(02) 4271 6644

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