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My bladder, my life

Bladder management

  • Bladder types
  • Starting with catheters
  • Problems
  • Life hacks
  • Inside the bladder
  • Equipment
Inside the bladder
  • Anatomy and physiology of the bladder
    • Anatomy of the bladder
    • Physiology of the bladder
  • Medical procedures for a SCI bladder
    • Urodynamic study
    • Cystoscopy
    • Sphincterotomy
    • Cystolitholapaxy
    • Bladder augmentation
    • Urethral dilatation
  • Medications and other products you may be prescribed
    • Alpha blockers
    • Anticholinergics
    • Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX)
    • Hiprex and vitamin C
    • Cranberry
    • E. Coli
  • Common medical tests for a SCI bladder
    • Urine specimen
    • Fluid balance diary
    • Renal ultrasound
    • CT- Kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB)

    Urodynamic study

    A fluoroscopic urodynamic study, or urodynamics, is a medical procedure that uses complex equipment to measure the pressure in the bladder and urethra as the bladder fills and as the bladder empties.

    A small catheter is put into the bladder and a fluoroscopic fluid (fluid that can be seen with an X-ray) is put into the bladder. The pressures are then measured by a machine as the bladder fills and is emptied.

    What is it for?

    Urodynamic studies will show how well your bladder muscles and sphincters coordinate. The test will also show if there are contractions of the bladder muscle happening at the wrong time and if the bladder contractions are too strong. The results of the urodynamic study will show whether there is a risk for kidney damage associated with how your bladder functions after your SCI.

    Preparation for the test

    It is recommended that you have a urine specimen taken prior to urodynamic studies to ensure that the urine is free from infection. It is common for bacteria to be present in the urine so any results should be discussed with your urology nurse prior to the test.

    How often should I have the test?

    Every person with a spinal cord injury should be assessed by urodynamics to help determine a long-term plan. Once this has been done any further tests are performed on an “as needed” basis. Some people (particularly if you use reflex voiding) should have this test performed more frequently. The frequency of urodynamic studies should be discussed with your doctor or urology nurse.

    Medical procedures for a SCI bladder
    Cystoscopy

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    • Bladder types
    • Starting with catheters
    • Problems
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    About this resource

    This web resource is part of a research project to improve bladder management at the Austin, by increasing the use of intermittent catheterisation.

    The research project is funded by TAC.

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    This research project is brought to you by

    Austin Health
    TAC
    ISCRR
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    Contacts

    Austin Health
    03 9496 5000
    Victorian Spinal Cord Service
    03 9496 5220
    Spinal Urology Nurse
    03 9496 5904
    spinalurologynurse@austin.org.au
    VSCS outpatient Nurse
    03 9496 5176
    vscsoutpatients@austin.org.au

    Disclaimer

    This information has been developed for Austin Health use and has been specifically designed for Austin Health. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. Austin Health accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed on this website. Written information should only be used in conjunction with advice from the health professional who is looking after you.

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