title: The utility of urodynamic testing.
abstract: The utility of urodynamic testing has been questioned for decades. However, this diagnostic tool has been widely adopted in the evaluation of patients who suffer from urinary incontinence despite the associated costs to society. A review of the literature and the consensus of the authors with regard to the indications of urodynamic testing, its application as a diagnostic and prognostic tool, and its effect on surgical management and outcome are presented here.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: James P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Theofrastous
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whiteside
authors.forename: Marie Fidela R
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Paraiso
mesh_terms: D003950:Diagnostic Techniques, Urological; D005260:Female; D052776:Female Urogenital Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014563:Urodynamics / Q000502:physiology*