Uroflowmetry - description, how to prepare, normal performance

The excretory system in men is more complex than that of women. It is more vulnerable to various diseases of neighboring organs, but it is more resistant to infections due to the longer urethra. Uroflowmetry has recently entered the practice of urology. The procedure is based on computer data processing and belongs to modern methods of assessing the state of the urinary duct with the bladder.

Its advantage is the absence of damage by the catheter, probe and other invasive instruments. And for the patient, the method looks simple. Especially when compared to tests that require ejaculation "on command" such as a spermogram (infertility test).

Uroflowmetry - what is it?

The device for uroflowmetry records the strength, constancy and speed of the stream flow during bowel movement. It then displays the measurement results as a graph. The urologist analyzes it according to the scheme or on the basis of his own experience.

The method examines activity parameters:

• detrusor - muscle of the walls of the organ, which contracts and squeezes out fluid during emptying. The detrusor sends signals to the brain about the degree of fullness of the organ;
The
• of the sphincter is another muscle "lock" at the exit to the excretory canal. The detrusor is compressed only after it is relaxed. That is, these two muscles work synchronously, but in opposite directions;
• the urethra - the urethra that starts from the bladder through the entire penis and goes out.

Uroflowmeters register during the procedure:

• maximum flow rate - extremely large volume that has entered the funnel in one unit of time;
• time to reach it - the period from the beginning of detrusor contraction to the maximum fluid flow rate (previous parameter);
• average speed - the volume of fluid released in relation to the time spent on the process;
• the volume of liquid discharged at a time - how many milliliters actually passed through the meter. In this case, it is preliminarily recorded how much liquid the man drank. The ratio of these indicators is very important for assessing kidney activity;
• the time during which the volume treated by the kidneys was withdrawn - from the beginning of the release of the accumulated "reserves" and until the complete disappearance of the jet (or incomplete, if there are pathological changes in the prostate gland);
• the period of waiting for the act of emptying - the time interval from the urge to the appearance of the jet.

The method is applicable to women, but they use it less often to diagnose urological pathologies. Due to the shorter urethra, it is easier to examine the urethra of women with probes. They provide more details, more reliably "work" as a means of preliminary inspection. Yes, and it is easier to determine the place of localization of the process with a short output channel.

Women's urological diseases are also less likely to lead to urinary retention, intermittent flow, inability to empty. For their use, the measuring part of the uroflowmeter is installed under a special chair. In the middle of his seat there is a hole with a diameter corresponding to the size of the funnel. The meter itself is placed under it.

Indications - why is this analysis needed?

Based on the results of uroflowmetry, one can tentatively judge the presence of:

• urethral obstruction - narrowing due to chronic inflammation or injury;
• atony of the sphincter or detrusor, usually a malignant or neurological event;
• prostatitis and adenoma - two pathologies manifested by incomplete emptying with a weak, intermittent stream. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and covers the urethra with its neck just below the sphincter. In nature, this anatomy is designed to exclude urination during sex (taking into account the physiology of intercourse, this is important for a woman's health). The prostate swells during the production of ejaculate, obstructing the passage of urine into the urethra, and bowel movement becomes physically impossible. But its hormonal proliferation or inflammation as a result of infection leads to a similar effect.

Among the causes of abnormalities are polyps, other benign or malignant lesions. Uroflowmetry only allows you to check the previously made assumptions. And to clarify the diagnosis, additional studies will definitely be required - cystotonometry, biopsy, ultrasound, etc. With the help of uroflowmetry, a specialist can also evaluate the results of the intervention or conservative treatment. It detects and prevents complications, side effects and relapses.

Preparing for the procedure

Given the non-invasiveness and simplicity of the procedure, it does not require special preparatory measures from the patient. For a urologist, the analysis is more difficult, since he will then have to decrypt.A man should only be sober and mentally adequate. Another requirement is not to take diuretics, muscle relaxants, antipsychotics, antidepressants and other drugs that can affect the functioning of the muscles and pelvic organs.

The second prerequisite for preparation for uroflowmetry is the presence of a sufficient amount of "material" for analysis in the examined organ. Simply put, in order to prepare for uroflowmetry, 1.5-2 hours before it, the patient should drink within 2 liters of liquid of his choice, excluding alcoholic and tonic drinks. And, in fact, come for an examination.

How is uroflowmetry performed for men?

Equipment for uroflowmetry is a funnel designed for emptying with high-precision sensors connected to it. The signals from the sensors lead to a computerized signal processor base. The result of its work is a two-axis diagram issued by the printer. Its horizontal axis is time, the vertical axis is milliliters / second.

A man is required to urinate into the funnel of the uroflowmeter without undue stress, as usual. "Delivery of the analysis" takes place alone - no one is watching the process, the man is alone in the office. To take reliable readings, the allocated volume of urine must exceed 200 ml. Before starting the procedure, the bladder just needs to be full - not overfilled. After a few minutes (usually up to 5 minutes), the chart is ready. But its decoding can take up to several days - depending on the qualifications of the doctor, the complexity of the case, the clinic's operating hours.

Can I do it at home?

Uroflowmetry is simple to perform, but differs in the complexity of the software part that analyzes the results of urination. All equipment used with it is fragile, prone to failures and breakdowns during transportation.

Mobile uroflowmeters exist, but are used less often than stationary ones and only for diagnostics in men with limited mobility (old age, pelvic fractures, postoperative rehabilitation). Preparation for uroflowmetry at home is the same as in the clinic. IMPORTANT: making it at home will be several times more expensive.

Uroflowmetry: indicators (norm and deviations), decoding of graphs

Deciphering the indicators of uroflowmetry is the business of a specialist in the field of urology who has undergone additional training in working with a specific device. The average man does not have enough knowledge for such analyzes, especially in the field of clinical medicine. However, in decoding the graphs, there are still general points by which even an inexperienced patient can make sure that he has urinary tract diseases.

Visually, the uroflowmetry graph of urination in healthy men of all ages looks like a relatively regular arch. If it displays "sinusoids", "roller coasters" and other geometric shapes, this indicates various pathologies or even a set of them.

Contraindications and side effects

Uroflowmetry has no side reactions or contraindications - due to the complete lack of contact with the body. Conducted for both sexes and all age groups.

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