Paediatric urodynamic studies: emerging technologies and new frontiers.

Abstract

Over the past two decades, there have been significant developments in paediatric urodynamic studies focusing on less-invasive monitoring devices, as well as re-defining normative values. This article reviews current paediatric urodynamic study methods and their reliability, and discusses new emerging ambulatory urodynamics and novel telemetric urodynamic devices. Traditional urodynamic studies are performed in specialised suites in real-time with artificial bladder filling. Ambulatory models allow for measurements in a more authentic environment and with natural bladder filling. Novel implanted telemetric monitoring devices provide a catheter-free solution but are inherently invasive in nature. Exploration of indirect measurements to obtain urodynamic data warrant further investigation. Definitive progress will require strong and sustained collaboration between end users and developers.