Urethral function can be assessed using many different techniques and
this is very important when applied to women with neurological abnorma
lities. Urethral pressure profilometry, although not diagnostic for ur
ethral sphincter incompetence, can be used to detect strictures and th
e ostia leading to urethral diverticula. Urethral instability may be r
ecorded using urethral pressure catheters. The significance of this fi
nding is uncertain but it has been suggested that women with urethral
instability and detrusor instability are less responsive to therapy wi
th anticholinergic drugs than those with a stable urethra. Micturition
pressure profilometry is useful for determining obstruction during vo
iding and enables the site of obstruction to be determined. Leak point
pressures (LPP) can be classified as detrusor or abdominal. Detrusor
LPP are useful in patients with neurological disease. Abdominal LPP ar
e subdivided according to the method used to increase intra-abdominal
pressure either the Valsalva manoeuvre or coughing. The technique used
to obtain an LPP can alter the measurement obtained and a standardize
d technique is essential for consistent results. LPP correlate with th
e urinary incontinence of women with genuine stress incontinence under
going a pad test but is of no value if the woman does not leak! Tests
of urethral function during bladder filling, stress and voiding phases
help in assessing lower urinary tract dysfunction in neurourology.