URETHRAL FUNCTION

Our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the urethra is still limited but improving. The valsalva leak point pressure measu rement has been proposed as a simple and reproducible technique for th e evaluation of urethral resistance, and progress has been made in the elucidation of urethral closure pressure generation that may lead to effective pharmacological therapy for treatment of functional obstruct ion. Magnetic resonance imaging is the newest technique for providing detailed anatomical information on the urethra and peri-urethral tissu es.