Characteristics of North American urodynamic centers: measuring lower urinary tract filling and storage function.

In this second article reviewing the characteristics of urodynamic evaluations in North American urodynamic centers, selected techniques used when measuring lower urinary tract function are discussed. Previously reported were the characteristics of clinicians and equipment of urodynamic centers in North America (Krissovich & Gray, 2002). A subsequent article will focus on current practices used to assess pelvic floor muscle function via electromyography and urethral pressure studies. The results of this study show that while most clinicians adhere to the guidelines for good urodynamic practices, there is a significant variability related to critical issues such as calibration, zeroing, and measurement of the Abd LPP. There is need for a comprehensive evaluation of the research base evaluating various urodynamic technologies and techniques combined with production of best practice guidelines from interested professional societies. Research into multiple areas of urodynamic testing is recommended, possibly beginning with critical comparisons of calibration and zeroing procedures and progressing to issues of quality assurance with each step of a comprehensive urodynamic evaluation.