A comparison of spontaneous and intubated urinary flow in female patients

In 60 female patients with lower urinary tract disorders the natural urinary flow was compared with the flow obtained with two 5 F urethral catheters in place. For the group as a whole there was no significant decrease in the intubated maximum flow rate whereas the intubated average flow decreased significantly. Among patients with a spontaneous flow rate of < 15 ml/sec no effect of the catheters was observed; actually the maximum flow rate increased significantly, which, however, may be due to increased voided volume. The transurethral technique for pressure‐flow studies offers a simple method for the assessment of detrusor contractility and for the identification of patients with infravesical obstruction. It can be performed without further invasion in conjunction with routine cystometry studies. Therefore this technique is recommended in the routine urodynamic workup in females with lower urinary tract disorders.