Medicover Hospital has launched Urodynamic Study (UDS) services to improve the diagnosis and management of bladder and urinary tract disorders. Through this advanced diagnostic facility, doctors can now accurately assess how the bladder, sphincters, and urethra store and release urine.
As urinary problems increasingly affect both men and women, the introduction of UDS marks a significant step toward delivering precise, patient-focused care and improving overall quality of life.
Rising Burden of Bladder Disorders
Bladder-related conditions have become more common due to ageing, lifestyle changes, diabetes, prostate enlargement, childbirth, menopause, and neurological disorders. In response, Medicover Hospital has strengthened its diagnostic capabilities with comprehensive urodynamic testing.
Unlike routine imaging that only shows structural abnormalities, UDS evaluates bladder function and pressure during both filling and emptying. Consequently, it provides detailed insights into urine flow, bladder control, and muscle coordination.
Core Components of Urodynamic Study
UDS comprises a series of specialised tests that examine lower urinary tract function in detail:
Uroflowmetry:
This test measures the volume and speed of urine flow as the patient empties the bladder into a specialised funnel or toilet.
Post-Void Residual (PVR) Measurement:
Doctors assess the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination using ultrasound or a thin catheter.
Cystometry (Cystometrogram):
Clinicians evaluate bladder capacity and pressure by gradually filling the bladder with sterile fluid through a small catheter.
Pressure Flow Study:
This test records the pressure required to pass urine and the flow rate, helping identify weak bladder muscles or obstructions such as an enlarged prostate.
Electromyography (EMG):
Sensors monitor nerve and muscle activity around the bladder and sphincters to assess coordination.
Video Urodynamics:
This advanced assessment combines pressure measurements with real-time X-ray or ultrasound imaging to observe bladder shape and function during filling and emptying.
When Doctors Recommend UDS
Dr. Vikas Bhise, Urologist, explained that doctors typically advise urodynamic tests when standard treatments fail to relieve symptoms or when patients require detailed evaluation before surgery. Physicians commonly recommend UDS for individuals experiencing urine leakage, frequent or sudden urges to urinate, painful urination, recurrent urinary tract infections, difficulty initiating urine flow, or a persistent sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
If left untreated, these conditions can lead to repeated infections, kidney damage, and reduced quality of life. Importantly, UDS helps doctors identify the exact cause—whether weak bladder muscles, nerve dysfunction, or physical obstruction. The test also plays a crucial role in evaluating bladder issues associated with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries.
Before the procedure, doctors may ask patients to arrive with a full bladder and temporarily discontinue certain overactive bladder medications. Although catheter insertion may cause mild discomfort, the procedure generally remains painless and does not require sedation. Afterward, patients may experience slight stinging or minimal blood in the urine for 24–48 hours. Drinking adequate water typically alleviates these symptoms.
Supporting Accurate and Targeted Treatment
As per the press release, Dr. Sanish Shringarpure, Urologist and Andrologist, emphasised that UDS enables precise treatment planning and helps avoid unnecessary medications or surgical interventions. He noted that the test proves particularly valuable for patients with long-standing symptoms, unsuccessful prior treatments, or those undergoing pre-surgical evaluation.
He further highlighted that many individuals silently endure urinary problems, mistakenly attributing them to normal ageing. With UDS, doctors can pinpoint the underlying cause of symptoms such as incontinence, urgency, or poor urine flow and deliver targeted therapy.
Commitment to Advanced Diagnostic Care
Sandip Joshi, Centre Head at Medicover Hospital, stated that the introduction of urodynamic studies reflects the hospital’s commitment to expanding advanced diagnostic services. By offering accurate diagnosis and personalised care, the facility aims to enhance clinical outcomes and significantly improve patients’ quality of life.