Micturition Studies in Infants and Children: Influence of an Indwelling Urethral Catheter and of Rectal Pressure Recording

Abstract

The influence on micturition of a 5 F urethral catheter was studied with simultaneous measurement of intravesical pressure and urinary flow in 17 boys aged 1 month-14 years. No significant effect could be shown as regards intravesical pressure. A decrease in maximum flow, particularly in infants, was found. in certain cases, particularly those with infravesical obstruction, the degree of obstruction was less with a catheter in the urethra. Suprapubic puncture is recommended as the most suitable technique for measuring intravesical pressure in infants and children. the effect of rectal pressure measurement on detrusor function was studied in 25 children aged 7 months 14 years, with simultaneous recording of intravesical pressure, urinary flow and rectal pressure. Ano-vesical inhibition induced by rectal pressure measurement could not be shown. Measurement of rectal pressure is a suitable method for detecting intra-abdominal pressure changes, provided the children accept the rectal balloon. Impedance pneumography as a method for detecting intra-abdominal pressure changes (abdominal straining) was evaluated in 19 infants and children aged 7 months-13 years, who were studied with simultaneous recording of respiration and rectal pressure during micturition. the method has certain limitations, which are discussed. It cannot replace measurement of rectal pressure, but it may be used as an alternative, especially in infants and children who, for psychological reasons, do not tolerate the rectal balloon.