Urethral pressure profilometry with membrane catheter compared with perfusion catheter systems.

Urodynamic evaluation of urethral sphincter function can be carried out by constant carbon dioxide perfusion, constant water perfusion, or by the use of membrane catheters. A comparison of these 3 techniques was made in in vitro experiments. Results, and advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed. From all factors considered in this study--response to pressure changes, sensitivity to pressures along the urethra, and reproducibility of the profile--the membrane catheter was concluded to be superior to either of the perfusion systems.