Medicover Hospital has started Urodynamic Study (UDS) services to help diagnose and manage bladder and urinary tract problems more effectively. This advanced diagnostic test helps doctors assess how well the bladder, sphincters, and urethra store and release urine.
Bladder-related disorders are now widely seen due to ageing, lifestyle changes, diabetes, prostate enlargement, childbirth, menopause, and neurological conditions. Now, Medicover Hospital has introduced a urodynamic study, which is a group of tests that closely examine the function of the lower urinary tract.
Unlike routine scans that only show structure, UDS evaluates bladder activity and pressure while the bladder fills and empties. It gives doctors clear insights into problems related to urine flow, bladder control, and muscle coordination.
The Core components of a urodynamic study are Uroflowmetry which measures how much urine is passed and how fast it flows while you empty your bladder into a special funnel or toilet, Post-Void Residual (PVR) Measurement which checks the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination using an ultrasound or a thin catheter, Cystometry (Cystometrogram) which assesses bladder capacity and pressure by slowly filling the bladder with sterile fluid through a small catheter, Pressure Flow Study which records the pressure required to pass urine and the flow rate, helping identify weak bladder muscles or blockages such as an enlarged prostate, Electromyography (EMG) which uses sensors to monitor the activity of nerves and muscles around the bladder and sphincters to assess coordination and Video Urodynamics which combines pressure measurements with real-time X-ray or ultrasound imaging to observe the bladder’s shape and function during filling and emptying.
“Urodynamic tests are advised when standard treatments fail to improve urinary symptoms or when a detailed assessment is needed before surgery. These tests are commonly recommended for patients with symptoms such as urine leakage, frequent or sudden strong urges to pass urine, painful urination, repeated urinary tract infections, difficulty starting the urine stream, or a persistent feeling that the bladder is not empty. If left untreated, these issues can lead to recurrent infections, kidney damage, and a reduced quality of life. UDS helps doctors identify the exact cause of urinary problems, whether it is weak bladder muscles, nerve-related issues, or physical blockage. They are also useful for evaluating bladder problems linked to neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries. Patients may be asked to come with a full bladder and temporarily stop certain overactive bladder medicines before the test. The procedure may cause mild discomfort during catheter insertion, but it is usually not painful and does not require sedation. After the test, slight stinging or a small amount of blood in the urine for up to 24–48 hours is common, and drinking plenty of water helps ease these symptoms", said Dr Vikas Bhise, Urologist.
Dr Sanish Shringarpure, Urologist and Andrologist further added, “This study supports accurate treatment planning and helps avoid unnecessary medications or surgery. It is especially useful for patients with long-standing symptoms, failed treatments, or those being evaluated before surgery. Many patients suffer silently from urinary problems, assuming it is a normal part of ageing. With UDS, we can identify the root cause of symptoms such as incontinence, urgency, or poor urine flow and offer targeted treatment.”
Sandip Joshi, Centre Head at Medicover Hospital said, “The introduction of urodynamic studies reflects our commitment to bringing advanced diagnostic services closer to patients. This facility will help improve clinical outcomes by ensuring accurate diagnosis and personalised care, ultimately enhancing patients’ quality of life.”
With urinary issues becoming increasingly common among both men and women, the introduction of UDS marks an important step in offering precise, patient-focused care and improved quality of life.
