The role of urodynamic study in evaluation of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

The current paradigm of diagnosing interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) focuses largely on the exclusion of other pathology and symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and pain, pressure, or discomfort with bladder filling, and places less emphasis on diagnostic tests. Consequently, many experts have suggested that urodynamic study (UDS) is not recommended for routine clinical use to establish IC/PBS diagnosis. However, recent studies have demonstrated the correlations of UDS variables with clinical symptoms, the results of a potassium sensitivity test, severity of glomerulations, and maximal bladder capacity during cystoscopic hydrodistention. Moreover, a combination of UDS and potassium sensitivity test has been shown to aid in differentiating IC/PBS in women with increased bladder sensation. All of these facts suggest that there might be a role for UDS in the diagnosis of IC/PBS.