Is it necessary to repeat videourodynamic studies on spina bifida children?

Purpose: A videourodynamic study is useful for examining the functional and structural problems of the urinary tract simultaneously. Due to its invasiveness, however, it is important to obtain as much information as is possible as the study is being conducted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of a repeated videourodynamic examination in spina bifida children. Materials and Methods: Between January 2005 and July 2006, a total of 48 patients who were diagnosed with spina bifida and underwent repeated videourodynamic studies were enrolled in this study. We compared variables including compliance, involuntary detrusor contraction (IDC), cystometric bladder capacity (CBC), maximum detrusor pressure, and post-voiding residual urine (PVR) between the initial and repeated studies. Results: During the repeated studies, cases of IDC decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared with the initial studies. No other significant differences were found in terms of compliance, CBC, maximum detrusor pressure, and PVR. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in terms of compliance, CBC, maximum detrusor pressure, and PVR between initial and repeated studies. However, the number of patients who had IDC decreased significantly in the second study. Nevertheless, we conclude that the first examination in this study was enough to evaluate the overall function and structure of the urinary tract. We believe that repeat studies are not necessary in children with spina bifida.