Abstract
Introduction: Various urethral function tests are available such as direct urethral pressure measurement, leak point pressure measurement and urethral resistance measurement. Aim of the study was to give an overview and a critical review of the current literature. Method: A medline search was perfomed using the expressions urethra pressure profile, urethra function test, leak point pressure and urethral resistance pressure between 1975 and 2004. Results: 86 articles could be identified giving an overview of direct urethral pressure measurement, functional urethral length, pressure transmission ratio, leak point pressure and urethral resistance measurement. Only URP (urethral retro resistance pressure) correlated with the severity of urodynamic stress incontinence but with one publication only. Discussion: There is no single urethral function test which is capable of distinguishing between urethral dysfunction and other mechanisms. However, urethral function tests are useful to predict postoperative outcome after incontinence procedures in patients with low pressure urethra and in scientific studies.
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