A New Technique for Measurements of the Urethra Pressure Profile

Abstract

A new standardized technique for continuous recording of the urethral pressure profile simultaneously with intravesical pressure has been developed. The pressures were recorded using two micr-transducers enclosed in a thin Dacron catheter. The catheter moved with a constant speed through the urethra with the aid of a specially designed instrument. This instrument is described. Twenty-five healthy women were examined. The patients were divided into two groups: (A) 10 postmenopausal women, and (B) 15 fertile women. The results of the recordings showed that the functional length and the absolute length of the urethra could be reproduced with an error of less than 1 mm. The maximal pressure amplitude was significantly less in group A.