The fluid bridge test applied to urethral sphincter function with special reference to the male urethra.

A new method of performing urethral pressure profiles and fluid bridge tests using computer technology is described, demonstrating the advantages over standard equipment. The fluid bridge test has been used to detect bladder neck incompetence in the male both before and after bladder neck surgery and has been adapted to investigate sphincter weakness at the distal urethral sphincter. This study suggests that the fluid bridge test is useful in the urodynamic evaluation of retrograde ejaculation, post-prostatectomy incontinence and vesico-urethral neuropathy.