Video Bladder Function Test (Video Urodynamics)

This service is available to current clients of the UBC Bladder Care Centre

Visit the UBC Bladder Care Centre webpage to learn about referrals and other services at the Centre.

Overview
What to expect
Getting ready for your appointment
After the test
Referrals
Find this service near you
Hours of operation

A video urodynamics (VUDS) test shows the pressure and flow in the lower urinary tract - your body's drainage system for removing urine. This test will help urologists assess what happens in your urinary tract when it fills and empties.

What to expect

The test is performed by a urologist with a nurse(s) and an x-ray technologist. This procedure takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes and is performed at the UBC Radiology Department.

Next, the nurse will insert two catheters:

A bladder catheter, called a Pves, will be inserted into the bladder through the urethra to monitor pressure change inside of the bladder. This bladder tube detects movement from the muscles inside of the bladder.
A small tube called a Pabd will be inserted 2 to 3 inches into the rectum. This catheter enhances the accuracy of the bladder measurements and helps monitor pressure change around the bladder.

While you’re lying down with the catheters in place, your bladder will be filled with a liquid called a contrast medium through the bladder catheter to help the team see your bladder and urethra during filling and emptying. X-rays are also taken to assess how your bladder and urethra are functioning. 

Getting ready for your appointment

How long to park if you are driving to your Bladder Care Centre appointment.
If you are driving to your appointment, make sure to pay for long enough parking for your appointment. We have provided suggested lengths of parking, depending on your appointment type.
- Urodynamics: Expect to stay for over 2.5 to 3 hours in the Centre.
- Bladder botox: Expect to stay for 45 to 60 minutes in the Centre.
- Cystoscopy: Expect to stay for over 2 to 2.5 hours in in the Centre.
- Video Urodyamics: Expect to stay 60 to 90 minutes.
- Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Expect to stay for 45 to 60 minutes in the Centre.
Bladder Care Centre cancellation policy
Please provide 48 business hours' notice for appointment cancellations. If you feel unwell or have flu-like symptoms on the day of your appointment, call us to cancel and reschedule.

No show and late cancellation policy

Patients who do not show up or cancel their appointment less than 24 business hours beforehand without a valid reason for cancellation may be charged a fee by the urologists (from their private office). The Bladder Care Centre staff have no control over this fee charge.

Important cancellation reminders

Your appointment is important to us. Please review the following notices to ensure your appointment does not get cancelled:
- Please arrive on time for your appointment to ensure your test can be completed. If you are more than 10 minutes late, your test may be cancelled, and you will need to reschedule.
- If you are experiencing symptoms/illness such as diarrhea, vomiting, cough, colds, flu, bladder infection, or fever, please call to reschedule your appointment. If you arrive at the clinic with any of these symptoms, your appointment will be cancelled.
- If you use a cane, crutches, walker, or wheelchair and require assistance with walking or undressing, please bring someone to help you.
- Physicians may need to reschedule appointments due to sudden schedule changes. If this happens, we will rebook your appointment accordingly.
When to reschedule your Bladder Care Centre appointment
Call the Bladder Care Centre and reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell and have any of the symptoms listed below. If you arrive at the centre with these symptoms, we will cancel your test(s), and you will be sent home.
- Fever
  Cough
  Runny nose
  Sore throat
  Headache
  Loose bowel movements/diarrhea
  Vomiting
  Chills
  Any flu/cold-like symptoms
  Bladder infection
What to do in the morning of your Bladder Care Centre appointment
- Drink approximately two to three cups of fluid (water, cranberry juice, milk, herbal tea) 30 to 60 minutes prior to your test so that you arrive at the clinic with a comfortable urge to urinate (empty your bladder). If you have an indwelling Foley or suprapubic catheter, or self-catheterize, you do not need to drink extra water.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine on the day of your test (e.g. coffee, tea, colas).
- You may eat and drink before the test.
- Take a bath or shower the morning of your appointment.
- You may find it more comfortable if you have a bowel movement before coming to the clinic. This is not essential.
- Do not empty your bladder when you arrive at the clinic. Speak with the nurse if you feel you must empty your bladder.
What to bring to your Bladder Care Centre appointment
- Your Care Card or BC Services Card
- A list of all medications you are taking.
- Antibiotics, if you are taking any. If you take antibiotics due to a heart valve replacement, a recent joint replacement, or you have a heart murmur, you must bring your own antibiotics to your test. Antibiotics are not provided.
- Your own incontinence products. We do not carry incontinence products.
- If you have your own face masks, we suggest that you wear one during your appointment. Masks will not be provided.
- When to bring someone to help you
- If you use a cane, crutches, walker or wheelchair and if need help with walking, dressing, undressing or transferring, you must bring someone who can help you.
- If you have difficulty with English, bring someone with you to help with translation. This person must have a good understanding of English. The translator is with you during your test.

After the test

You can typically return to work and other usual activities after the test. It is common to experience mild discomfort in the bladder area. This discomfort generally resolves within a few hours. Follow after-appointment care instructions.

Referrals

A doctor's referral is required for a Video Urodynamics test. If you are having incontinence issues or bladder issues, please contact your family doctor or Nurse Practitioner or walk-in-clinic physician to be referred to the Bladder Care Centre. A Urologist at the Bladder Care Centre will then review your referral before booking an appointment.

This test cannot be performed if you are pregnant. 

Please inform the urologist prior to the test if you are allergic to contrast mediums. 

Bladder Care Centre Referral Form

This service is available at