The Urological Institute
of Northeastern New York
Albany Medical Center's
South Clinical Campus
23 Hackett Blvd.
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 262-3341
A Pediatric Urodynamic Test is an excellent way to evaluate how the bladder carries out its two main functions: filling and emptying. It does this by measuring the pressure inside the bladder. A pediatric urodynamic test can help us explain incontinence, infections or kidney problems.
It is always helpful to discuss what will happen before the test. Talk with your child about the test beforehand. Although it is anxiety provoking, try to be reassuring and positive and let your child know that this test is important in helping them.
Before the test
Your child must be free of a urinary tract infection to have this test. You will be given a prescription to have a urine culture test 1 week prior to the urodynamic study. Your child may eat before coming. (Exception: If your child is an infant, it is better to let them be a little hungry. Bring a bottle and/or a pacifier for the time after the catheter is place to help quiet them.) Give lots of fluids so that your child will have a full bladder. If your child is using a catheter it is ok to cath prior to the appointment. It is important to on the day of the testing unless you are told otherwise.
During the test
Your child will wear a hospital gown. They can have a blanket to cover up. Your child needs to hold still during the test. It is a good idea to bring something to distract your child such as book, gameboy or I-Pod. It is usually helpful if one parent stays with your child. (Women who are pregnant should not be in the room because x-rays may be done.) Please arrange for someone to watch any other children you may need to bring with you.
Have your child come with a full bladder. Your child will be asked to pee in a special toilet and then lie on a special table. The nurse will clean the groin (bottom) area with a brown fluid (betadine) to make sure the area is very clean. A very small tube (catheter) is placed into the urethra or the tube from the bladder to the outside of the body through which you pass urine. A second tube is placed in the rectum. Although not painful once inserted, this may feel uncomfortable.
These tubes will be connected to a computer. The bladder will then be filled with fluid through the catheter. We will ask your child not to pee during the first part of the test. Distraction can be very helpful during this time. We may ask your child to cough or laugh at this time. We do not want them to pee until we ask them to at the end of the test.
At the end of the test we will tell them to pee while on the table as we are taking pictures. After the procedure is done, all the tubes will be removed. (Removing the tubes does not hurt.) Generally, the results will be discussed with you immediately after the procedure.
Your child may feel some burning when going to the bathroom to pee. Drink lots of water. This will help make the burning go away. If the burning lasts more than 2 days please discuss with your doctor.