Carbon Dioxide Urethral Pressure Profile

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Abstract
In an evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, particularly incontinence, the role played by the urethra is crucial. One of the most important methods of evaluation of urethral dysfunction is the urethral pressure profile. A simple office procedure and a reliable method of urethral pressure profile evaluation, using the CO2 cystometer is described. Slow withdrawal of the special catheter connected to the CO2 cystometer allows the determination of the resistance of the urethral wall at sequential centimeter levels along the entire length of the urethra. CO2 urethral pressure profile is a safe office procedure that is easy to perform for immediate recording and interpretation of results. The cystometer is easy to calibrate. No complications in 450 consecutive urethral pressure profile determinations were encountered. The shortcoming of the procedure is the compressibility of the gas (CO2), giving a lag in the register''s response to pressure differential. The use of CO2 urethral pressure profile is demonstrated in male incontinence, in female incontinence and in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

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