Urethral pressure profilometry: assessment of urethral function by combined intraurethral pressure and electromyographic recording.

The technique of combined electromyographic and carbon dioxide urethral pressure profilometry is described and analyzed. The low viscous drag of carbon dioxide permits the use of catheter infusion rates above the critical threshold, where the compressibility of the gas does not influence the accuracy of the pressure recording. Clinical urethral function studies with this technique in benign prostatic hypertrophy, stress incontinence and traumatic spinal cord injury have documented the diagnostic value of the test. Furthermore, the impact of surgical or pharmacological treatment upon urethral function has been delineated.