young boy laughing with his dad

Pediatric Urodynamic Studies

If your child is having bladder control problems, they may be feeling embarrassed or ashamed. As a parent, you want answers to what’s causing the problem along with discreet treatment and care. Children who are suffering from urinary, genital or kidney issues are often referred to our urodynamic lab. 

Urodynamic tests provide information about a child’s bladder and its ability to fill, store and empty urine. The results of this test help our urological team understand your child’s condition so we can map out the best plan of care.

Urodynamic studies include: 

  • Cystometrogram – measures the amount of urine in the bladder 
  • Electromyography – tests the pelvic muscles
  • Uroflowmetry – measures urine flow 

The pediatric urology specialists at Providence use technologically advanced procedures for diagnosing and treating children. We specialize in video urodynamics, a new sophisticated test that improves the accuracy of diagnosis. This new technology, along with pelvic floor rehabilitation and medical therapy, can treat incontinence with great success rates, giving your child the confidence and freedom to return to their active, happy lives. 

Your child needs a full bladder for testing. If your child is toilet trained, they will use our restroom facility to measure the flow of urine using a special commode. After they urinate, a nurse will measure any urine left in their bladder using a catheter. We will numb the area and keep your child relaxed and comfortable, so you don’t need to worry about any pain related to catheterization.

We then fill the bladder with a clear fluid that shows up on X-rays. As the bladder fills, we check pressure and several X-rays are taken to check for reflux and how the bladder and urethra look.

When the bladder is full, your child will urinate while still laying on the table and we’ll take X-rays of the bladder as it empties.

Once the testing is finished, we’ll discuss the results with you and come up with a treatment plan that works best for your child. 

Your child may feel slight discomfort for a few hours after the test when they urinate. If so, have them drink eight ounces of water every half-hour for two hours to ease any pain. Your doctor may also suggest a warm bath or holding a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening to help with any discomfort.

Your child could be prescribed an antibiotic for a couple of days to help prevent infection, depending on the situation. If your child shows any signs of infection, like chills or fever, call your doctor immediately.