A new method for the investigation of the closure function of the resting female urethra.

The field-gradient principle has been used in the development of a probe for the recording of related values of cross-sectional area and pressure in the resting female urethra. The probe is used in a manner that allows pressure to be increased in steps of 10 cm. water, distending the urethra up to a cross-sectional area of 0.79 cm.2. Recordings are performed at 0.5 cm. steps throughout the urethra. The obtained parameters make possible a description of the closure function in terms of urethral rigidity, closure pressure of the noninstrumented urethra, capability of isometric and isotonic contraction, muscular function and power of the closure mechanism.