Comparison of microtransducer and fiberoptic catheters for urodynamic studies

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity and reproducibility of a fiberoptic trans ducer urodynamic catheter for urethral closure pressure profiles and leak p oint pressure determination, using a microtransducer catheter as the standa rd. METHODS: Ninety women without significant pelvic organ prolapse underwent u rodynamic evaluations with both fiberoptic and microtransducer catheters. M aximal urethral closure pressures and "leak point pressures" were repeatedl y measured by die two catheters and statistically compared. The order of ca theter use was randomized. RESULTS: Significantly lower mean maximal urethral closure pressures were r ecorded by the fiberoptic system than by the microtransducer system (28.9 c mH(2)O +/- 17.3 versus 43.2 cmH(2)O +/- 24.9, P < .001). The fiberoptic cat heter predicted microtransducer values for maximum urethral closure pressur e only within a range of 27 cmH(2)O. Mean "leak point pressure" recorded by the fiberoptic catheters (66.9 cmH(2)O +/- 2.9) was not significantly diff erent than that recorded by the microtransducer catheters (66.4 cmH(2)O +/- 2.9, P = .97). CONCLUSION: There is a significant difference between maximum urethral clos ure pressure values recorded by the microtransducer and fiberoptic catheter systems. No significant difference was found between the two systems in me asurement of Valsalva "leak point pressure." (C) 2001 by the American Colle ge of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.