Uroflowmetry is a functional, non-invasive examination that allows the study and evaluation of urinary flow during urination. It is a simple investigation, considered first of all in patients who report urination disorders. Uroflowmetry is therefore indicated in the presence of symptoms such as difficulty in urinating and completely emptying the bladder, low intensity, divided, to "spray" or intermittent, urination 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 low urinary tract and, in humans, of the prostate. Among the most common causes are infections (urethritis, prostatitis, cystitis, vaginitis), calculosis, 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 appears as a first choice screening test for patients with suspected lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Uroflowmetry is a simple and relatively inexpensive instrumental examination, able to provide objective information related to urinary flow. The equipment, called uroflowmeter, is in fact able to measure the amount of urine emitted in a unit of time, recording it on a path. The voiding act is then represented graphically by considering two Cartesian, time and volume. The interpretation of this diagram confirms or excludes the presence of a dysfunction of the first urinary tract; uroflowmetry also allows the formulation of more or less reliable hypotheses, but does not allow to identify with any certainty the cause and the location of the problem. In essence, faced with an abnormal uroflowmometry we know that there is a functional problem of the low urinary tract, whose extent and definition will be established by further diagnostic investigations. The uroflowmetry is also 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 have to perform medical therapy or undergo surgery, and then repeated at intervals set by the doctor.
Uroflowmetry: how is it performed?
The uroflowmetry is performed by urinating in the collecting funnel of the appliance, as in a normal water.
Preparation for uroflowmetry: what to do before the exam
The 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 carried out in the 60-120 minutes preceding the uroflowmetry. Specifically, the doctor may request the patient to empty the bladder, then drink half a liter / a liter of non-carbonated water (in order to promote bladder filling), and retain the urine until the time of the examination. The filling of the bladder must not be excessive; it is indeed necessary to prepare yourself by drinking enough, but not too much. If you feel the sensation of excessive bladder filling, it is advisable to report it to the doctor to possibly empty part of the bladder for uroflowmetry.
In the days preceding the exam it is normally possible to continue taking any prescribed medication or supplement.
After performing the uroflowmetry, the patient can return home and resume normal daily activities.
