Does sensory bladder function during cystometry differ from that in daily life? A study in incontinent women.

Aims: Daily life bladder sensation can be evaluated by sensation related bladder diary (SR-BD). Sensation can also be studied during cystometric bladder filling (CBF). We compared results of both methods in incontinent women.

Methods: A total of 185 women with stress, urgency or mixed incontinence filled out a 3-day SR-BD grading bladder sensation and measuring voided volume at each micturition. During CBF reported filling sensations were noted. Sensory data from both tests were compared.

Results: The cystometric bladder volumes were significantly larger than SR-BD voided bladder volumes for corresponding bladder sensations and this in all groups.

Conclusions: During conventional cystometry the patients with different types of incontinence experience the degrees of desire to void at larger volumes than in daily life. Sensation related symptoms will thus be more accurately studied with the SR-BD than with cystometry.