“Urodynamics” is usually ordered every year for children with myelomeningocele (spina bifida) or spinal cord injuries. It may also be ordered if problems are suspected with the spinal cord, before and after spinal surgery, and for children with complex problems with incontinence or urinary tract infections.

Urodynamics can tell your child’s doctor:

• How much urine your child’s bladder holds.
   
• How to best manage problems with wetting.
   
• What happens in your child’s bladder as it fills with urine.
   
• What happens in the bladder as your child urinates.
   
• If there are any changes in bladder function from year to year.
   
• If your child is at risk for developing kidney problems in the future.
   
• How the muscles that help hold urine in the bladder and help control urination work.
   

1. If your child catheterizes, please keep him or her on the usual schedule the day of the procedure.
    
2. If you think your child may have a urinary tract infection, please call to reschedule (545-9520). Signs of a urinary tract infection include pain or burning with urination, cloudy, bloody, or foul smelling urine, abdominal or back pain, and fever. We will test your child’s urine the day of the procedure. If your child does have a urinary tract infection, we will reschedule the test after the infection has been treated.
    
3. Please talk to your child about the procedure. Read over the following and discuss it before coming to your appointment. We make every effort to ease your child’s worry but we need everyone’s cooperation and understanding to make this as easy as possible for your child.
    
4. We have a variety of movies and toys to help distract your child during the procedure. Your child may bring a special toy, blanket, or pillow, as well.
    

1. Please bring your child to the Urology Office on the 2nd floor (area 2-G) at CCMC.
    
2. Your child will change into hospital pajamas.
    
3. The procedure will take 1-2 hours. At least one parent should remain in the room during the procedure as this usually helps to relax the child. You may help your child by giving words of encouragement, helping with distractions, or holding your child’s hand.
    
4. The first procedure that may be done is called the Uroflow Study. Your child may be asked to use a special toilet that is connected to a computer.
    
5. Next, your child will go onto an exam table. The area between your child’s legs will be cleaned to help prevent any infection.
    
6. A small catheter will be placed through the urethra, into the bladder. This may be a little uncomfortable but will not hurt. Any urine that is left in the bladder will be emptied through the catheter.
    
7. Another small catheter will be placed in the rectum. This will feel similar to having a rectal temperature taken. Two small stickers will then be placed on the skin near the catheter.
    
8. The bladder will be filled slowly with water through the catheter.
    
9. The catheter will then be gently taken out with an electrical “arm.”
    
10. The tubes and patches will then be removed and your child will get dressed.
     

If you need to cancel or reschedule this appointment, please call (860) 545-9520.