Video Urodynamic Study

Your child is scheduled for a Video Urodynamic study at Children’s Minnesota.

Name of test:  Video Urodynamic Study

Date:  _____________________________

Time:  _____________________________

When you arrive to Children’s Minnesota, please check in at the Welcome Center with locations on either the first or second floor, and then proceed to the Sedation & Procedural Services Unit located on the first floor. Also, bring a list of your child’s medication and your insurance card with you.

Children’s Minnesota – Minneapolis
2525 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55404

What is Video Urodynamics?

Video Urodynamics is a test that measures the pressure inside your child’s bladder and how it reacts to being full of urine.

Why does my child need the test?

The test will evaluate your child’s bladder ability to store urine and how well it empties and contracts.

Can I be with my child during the test?

You are welcome to stay with your child during the test. It will take about 2 hours.

How should I prepare my child?

Read and discuss this information with your child. Explain how the test is done, especially what your child will see, hear, and feel. Answer as many questions as you can.

Children and young adults of all ages may want to bring a comfort item, such as their own blanket, to help with relaxation. Younger children may also find it helpful to bring a favorite toy or pacifier. Older children and teens may want to bring a favorite video or music. 

A Child Life Specialist is available to assist while the nurses are preparing your child for the test. Please let the staff know if you would like Child Life Specialist present at the time of the testing. 

How is the test done?

The nurse will place a catheter into your child's bladder. This catheter will be used to fill your child's bladder and to measure the pressure inside the bladder. Another catheter will be placed in the rectum to measure abdominal pressure on the bladder.

Next, the nurse will apply three electrodes (stickers), two will be placed on each side of the rectum and one on his/her knee cap or hip area. These electrodes will tell how your child's sphincter work as the bladder is being filled.    

Once all of the catheters and electrodes are in place the test will start. Your child's bladder will be filled twice during the test once with normal saline and a second time with contrast (dye). During the first filling of his or her bladder, the nurse will be looking for how much the bladder can hold and the pressures around and in the bladder. When you child's bladder feels full and no longer can hold anymore, he/she will be allowed to void. Once his or her bladder is empty, the second part of the test will start.

The second filling using contrast (a special dye). During the second filling of your child's bladder, x-rays will be taken. These x-rays will help the provider better understand your child's bladder ability to store urine and how well it empties and contracts. Once your child's bladder is full, he or she will be able to void. When your child's bladder is empty, the test is complete, and all catheters and electrodes are removed.

Depending on your child’s diagnosis, he or she may only have one fill with contrast.

What can we expect after the test?

Following the test, your child can resume normal activity. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids after the test. 

Call your doctor if you see any of the following:

• cloudy urine
• continued discomfort while urinating
• fever higher than 100° F
• bad smelling urine

Your child’s doctor will go over the test results with you.  If you have any questions about your child’s test results, please call the doctor who scheduled the test.

Reviewed by Sedation & Procedural Services 7/2017 

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