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Profilometry
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Profilometry is a method of urodynamic examination. It is based on determining the intraluminal pressure in all parts of the urethra. This procedure involves inserting a urethral catheter into the bladder. As it fills with fluid, the device is gradually removed with continuous intraurethral pressure throughout the entire urethra.
[ Indications for profilometry
Indications for profilometry are based on the need to examine patients suffering from urinary incontinence or, conversely, urinary retention. The study is conducted for stress urinary incontinence, imperative and difficult urination.
Stress incontinence is quite common. It can occur due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. It is provoked by laughter, lifting weights, sneezing, coughing. This form develops with a decrease in the contractility of the voluntary and involuntary sphincters, as well as hormonal disorders.
Urgent incontinence is associated with a common disorder. The cause is increased activity of the bladder muscle wall against the background of diseases of the spinal cord and brain. Hormonal and sensory disorders make a special contribution.
Difficulty urinating. Develops due to a violation of the outflow of urine or a decrease in contractility. All these signs can be determined by profilometry and effective ways to eliminate them can be found.
Preparation for profilometry
Preparation for profilometry is mandatory. Before the examination, it is necessary to visit a urologist. If a person has an allergic reaction to certain medications, the doctor should know about it. Moreover, it is necessary to provide all information about the medications taken. Of particular importance are data on the patient's blood clotting, the presence of pregnancy.
A day before the scheduled date of the examination, it is necessary to take a broad-spectrum antibiotic. There is no standard drug! More precisely, it exists, but it is individual for each case. You can find out about it only from your doctor. Everything is done to prevent self-treatment.
If necessary, a cleansing enema is performed. It is also performed on the doctor's recommendations or if a person has constipation. This will help avoid unpleasant sensations during the procedure itself. There are no other methods of preparation. Profilometry is performed exclusively according to specific indications.
How is profilometry performed?
So, the purpose of this study is to record the pressure that is present in the urethra. During the procedure, a system of tubes is inserted into the bladder, and a special solution is supplied through them.
At the same time, the device extracts the system from the canal at a certain speed and simultaneously records the pressure that is actively exerted by the walls of the urethra.
To perform this procedure, only modern urodynamic systems are currently used. They are equipped with a special device for the dosed extraction of the catheter from the urethra. There are pumps for supplying fluid at low speeds. This simplifies the procedure.
If we consider everything in more detail, it looks like this. So, a urethral catheter is inserted into the bladder. Usually, its diameter fluctuates between 8-10 on the Charriere scale. Its outer end is connected to the pressure sensor connector and the fluid supply system using a V-shaped adapter. The device is fixed on the movable bar of the extraction device. Then the extraction device and the fluid supply pump are turned on simultaneously. The pressure is recorded at the moment of extraction of the device and is recorded until it is completely eliminated. Thus, profilometry is performed.
Profilometry in proctology
Profilometry in proctology is a significant procedure. Thanks to it, you can find out whether a person has problems with the rectum. This method of research allows you to obtain data on anal fissures and hemorrhoids. Thanks to the procedure, it became possible not only to make a correct diagnosis, but also to prescribe effective treatment.
In proctology, this procedure is used quite often. There are cases of hemorrhoids when it is not so easy to determine the exact cause and prescribe quality treatment. In this case, a special study is carried out. First, the "work" of the rectum is checked at rest, and then with the strengthening of the sphincter.
This procedure can be used to check the pressure in the rectum itself, the maximum pressure in the anal canal, the pressure gradient between the rectum and the anal canal. Much depends on the person's condition and the need for this procedure. Profilometry is a truly important study that facilitates the course of treatment.
Rectal profilometry
Rectal profilometry is somewhat different from the procedure performed in the urethra. Thus, the study of the anal canal characterizes its functional capabilities by many parameters. They are determined by background and stimulation profilometry. The first type implies a state of rest, and the second - a volitional effort of the sphincter.
The parameters characterizing the functional capabilities of the anal canal include: pressure in the rectum, pressure gradient between the rectum and the anal canal, maximum pressure in the anal canal, length of the anal canal, length of maximum latency.
The main objective of the procedure is to examine the patient's rectum. For this, a special profilometric catheter with an internal diameter of 0.8 mm, an external diameter of 1.7 mm, and a length of 2200 mm is used. Based on the procedure performed, deviations in the human body can be noticed. Profilometry is a useful procedure.
Profilometry of the urethra
Urethral profilometry is a method of examination that allows for an accurate characterization of the state of the bladder closure apparatus. It is based on continuous recording of urethral resistance throughout the procedure.
Today, only modern urodynamic systems are used to conduct the study. They are equipped with a special device that has a dosed extraction of the catheter from the urethra and pumps for supplying fluid at low speeds.
To perform the procedure, a special catheter is inserted into the bladder. Its outer end is connected to a pressure sensor and a fluid supply system. The catheter is firmly fixed on a movable bar. Then it is removed and fluid is supplied. All this is done simultaneously. This entire process is accompanied by pressure recording. Based on the data obtained, certain conclusions are made. In fact, profilometry is not a complicated procedure, but nevertheless, it requires special concentration.
Contraindications to profilometry
There are no contraindications to profilometry. Perhaps, this is the only type of research that is not burdened with any restrictions.
Absolutely anyone can undergo the procedure. The only thing is that people with advanced hemorrhoids should be careful. There is a risk of causing serious damage. It should be noted that the procedure can be prescribed or contraindicated by a specialist for certain pathologies.
Naturally, there may be some personal reasons why the procedure should be postponed. This may be insufficient preparation, the presence of severe pain syndrome. In this case, the decision is made exclusively by the attending physician. Therefore, before resorting to this type of research, it is worth consulting with a specialist. He will tell you about possible unpleasant phenomena, explain how to prepare for the procedure. Profilometry is carried out exclusively on the doctor's recommendations.
Evaluation of profilometry results
The assessment of the profilometry results is carried out according to the data obtained. Thus, several values become known during the study. This is the functional length of the urethra, which is the length of the urethra. It is here that the pressure is located, which holds the urine in the bladder. This parameter is intended to reflect the performance of the locking apparatus.
The maximum urethral pressure is also determined. This indicator reflects how effectively the occlusal apparatus works. The zone of maximum urethral pressure provides an assessment of the length of the urethra. This is where the maximum pressure develops.
Maximum locking pressure. This is a kind of difference between the maximum urethral pressure and the intravesical pressure during a cough test. Thanks to the obtained figure, it is possible to obtain data regarding the locking apparatus when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Based on all this data, a person's condition is assessed. Profilometry allows you to find out the capabilities of the urethra and rectum.
Complications of profilometry
Complications of profilometry do not occur in principle. This procedure is not capable of causing harm to a person, especially if it was performed correctly.
Today, urinary incontinence is perhaps one of the most unpleasant phenomena. It is this complication that brings a lot of discomfort. In most cases, the reason lies in the socially maladaptive effect of this complication of radical prostatectomy.
It is not possible to resort to any prevention in this case. After all, the reasons for the problem have not been fully studied. In the postoperative period, a large number of patients complain of urinary incontinence. This often occurs due to the insertion of a urethral catheter. A person may experience frequent urination. But there is nothing terrible about this. The problem goes away with time. After all, the procedure is aimed at determining the cause of this phenomenon and eliminating it. Profilometry can lead to discomfort, but this is catastrophic.