Cystometry: Risks

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Risks

Cystometry usually does not cause problems. There is always a slight risk of developing a urinary tract infection when a catheter is inserted into the bladder. In rare cases, a bladder infection can spread to a kidney and into the blood, leading to a life-threatening infection. If an infection occurs, it can be treated with antibiotics.

If you have a high spinal cord injury, you may have low heart rate, high blood pressure, headache, and feel flushed or sweaty during the test. Report these symptoms to the health professional conducting the test, since further testing may cause complications.

After the procedure

You may have a small amount of blood in your urine for 1 to 2 days after the test. You also may feel that you need to urinate often or have a sense of urgency to urinate or have some burning on urination (especially if carbon dioxide gas was used). However, contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These symptoms include:

• Pain or burning when you urinate.
• An urge to urinate frequently, but usually passing only small quantities of urine.
• Dribbling or leaking urine.
• Urine that is reddish or pinkish, foul-smelling, or cloudy.
• Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the lower belly.
• Pain in the back just below the rib cage on one side of the body (flank pain).
• Fever or chills.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Last updated:	July 08, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Tracy Landauer