Video urodynamics in spinal injuries Information for patients Spinal Injuries
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Video Urodynamics (VUD) This is a specialised x-ray examination to visualise the function, capacity and emptying facility of the bladder. This procedure may take from one to two hours, please be prepared to be in the Spinal Injuries OPD for the morning. Reasons for performing the test Spinal cord injury affects your bladder and may result in damage to your kidneys. It is important we establish that your bladder empties adequately and does not develop high pressure inside. Preparation If you are actively unwell or currently have a symptomatic urine infection please telephone the spinal OPD to see if your test needs to be postponed. If you suffer from autonomic dysreflexia please bring your GTN spray and ensure staff are made aware. All patients need to bring a completed frequency volume chart over a two - three day period as this is useful for the clinician performing the test. The procedure may be cancelled if you do not bring this chart with you. If possible please empty your bowels before attending the OPD, as this may influence the test. Female patients who are of menstruating age ideally should have the test performed within ten days of their last period starting but it can be performed later if pregnancy status is assessed. If you are menstruating at the time of the procedure it will not affect the test results. We page 3 of 8
perform a urine pregnancy test in the OPD on arrival as the procedure is not carried out during pregnancy due to x-ray conditions. Patients who use intermittent catheters or non-standard suprapubic catheters, please bring a spare catheter with you as we may not have the appropriate brand/product you require in the department. Gentlemen if you manage your bladder by sheath drainage/ external urine collection device please bring a spare as we may not have your brand/product available in the department. Details of the test You will be asked to wear a hospital gown. Patients who self catheterise will be asked to empty their bladder before the procedure An antibiotic injection is given prior to the procedure if you do not regularly catheterise to reduce the risk of infection The test is performed in the x-ray department, and you will need to lie on the x-ray table. Patients who are able to stand will need to for a short period during the procedure A nurse will insert a small catheter into your back passage; this measures the pressure in your abdomen. A fine catheter is inserted into your bladder this will be passed through the urethra, unless you have a suprapubic catheter The two catheters are connected to measuring equipment and you will be positioned on the x-ray table in order to obtain the right views. Your bladder is slowly filled with fluid that shows up on x-ray. The doctor conducting the test will ask for your bladder to be 'screened' at intervals, this allows pictures of your bladder to be flashed onto a television screen. You will be able to watch the screen and the picture will be explained to you as the test page 4 of 8
continues. As your bladder fills, you will be asked for any sensations you experience such as fullness, urge to pass urine, flushing, headaches etc. You may be asked to cough several times for the doctor to check whether urine leaks out when abdominal pressure is raised. Giving consent If you have not done so already we will ask you to sign a consent form. As with any treatments or procedures we must seek your consent beforehand. Staff will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives where relevant before they ask for your consent. If you are unsure about any aspect of the procedure or treatment proposed, please do not hesitate to ask for more information. Results of the test From this test, the urologist will be able to tell whether your bladder management is satisfactory with the present method of drainage or whether other treatment alternatives are advised. Alternatives may include surgery that would make you continent of urine. Please note the following: It is normal for the urine to burn or sting for up to two days after this procedure and for it to contain traces of blood. We recommend increasing your fluid intake following the procedure. Occasionally a serious infection may occur. If you become unwell with 'flu like' symptoms within 24hours of the procedure, or experience a lot of blood in the urine, please contact your GP or this unit for advice. page 5 of 8
Who should I contact if I have any concerns If you have any concerns or wish to discuss your bladder management further please contact: Urology Nurse Specialist Sister Marie Watson: 0114 2266823 0114 2434343 and ask for Bleep 2882 Sister Paula Muter or Sister Carol Eggington: 0114 2715624 0114 2434343 and ask for Bleep 2494 Spinal Outpatients Department: 0114 2715677 page 6 of 8
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Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity Working together we can help local patients feel even better To donate visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk Registered Charity No 1169762 Alternative formats can be available on request. Please email: alternativeformats@sth.nhs.uk Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2018 Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 SI 2005 No.1515. Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Email infogov@sth.nhs.uk PD9651-PIL4106 v1 Issue Date: June 2018. Review Date: June 2021