The uroflowmetry is a functional, non-invasive test that allows to study and evaluate the urinary flow during urination. It is a simple investigation, considered of first instance in patients who report urination disorders. Uroflowmetry is therefore indicated in the presence of symptoms such as difficulty urinating and completely emptying the bladder, low intensity, split, "spray" or intermittent "spray", urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, post-voiding drip, and so on. the presence of one or more of these symptoms can be linked to multiple pathologies, both organic and functional, of the lower urinary tract and, in men, of the prostate. Among the most common causes are infections (urethritis, prostatitis, cystitis, vaginitis), stones, urethral narrowing, prostatic hypertrophy, descent or hypomobility of the bladder neck and tumors of the urinary tract. In this context of extreme etiological variability, uroflowmetry is presents as a first choice screening test for patients with suspected lower urinary tract dysfunction.
The uroflowmetry is a simple and relatively inexpensive instrumental examination, able to provide objective information relating to the urinary flow. recording it on a trace. The voiding act is then graphically represented considering two Cartesians, time and volume. The interpretation of this diagram allows to confirm or exclude the presence of a dysfunction of the first urinary tract; uroflowmetry also allows to formulate more or less reliable hypotheses, but does not allow to identify with certainty the cause and the localization of the problem. Basically, faced with an "anomalous uroflowmetry, we know that there is a functional problem of the lower urinary flows, the entity and definition of which will be established by further diagnostic investigations.Uroflowmetry also represents a valid monitoring tool to evaluate the results of a treatment, in particular the effect on the urinary flow of a therapy carried out to remove an obstruction; it is therefore recommended in patients who need to undergo medical therapy or undergo to surgery, and then repeated at intervals set by the doctor.
Uroflowmetry: how is it performed?
Uroflowmetry is performed by urinating in the funnel of the device, as in a normal toilet.
Preparation for uroflowmetry: what to do before the exam
Uroflowmetry should be performed in a comfortable environment, so as to minimize anxiety and emotional states that can hinder urination.
Normally, a simple but particular preparation is required, to be performed in the 60-120 minutes preceding the uroflowmetry. Specifically, the doctor may ask the patient to empty the bladder, then drink half a liter / one liter of non-carbonated water (in so as to favor bladder filling), and retain the urine until the time of the examination. The filling of the bladder should not be excessive; in fact, it is necessary to prepare yourself by drinking enough, but not too much. bladder, it is good to report it to the doctor to eventually empty the bladder in view of the uroflowmetry.
In the days leading up to the exam, it is usually possible to continue taking any prescribed drug or supplement.
Once uroflowmetry has been performed, the patient can go home and resume normal daily activities.
