Is CO 2 cystometry a reliable test in estimating detrusor contractile function in patients with acute urinary retention?

Objectives CO 2 cystometry is very convenient for patients who already received indwelling urethral catheterization. This study aims to evaluate the reliability of CO 2 cystometry in estimating the detrusor contractile function in patients with acute urinary retention. Methods Patients with acute urinary retention were enrolled between December 2011 and January 2015. All patients underwent CO 2 cystometry and H 2 O cystometry in the same session to evaluate detrusor contractility. The results obtained with H 2 O cystometry and CO 2 cystometry were compared. Results We recruited a total of 32 patients (11 females and 21 males). The mean ± standard deviation age was 77.43 ± 10.48 years (range 21–102 years). Analyses of the parameters of cystometry, including volume at first desire to void, volume at strong desire to void, cystometric capacity, and compliance revealed a strong linear correlation between the comparative parameters of H 2 O and CO 2 cystometry (Pearson's correlation coefficients: 0.75, first desire; 0.83, strong desire; 0.71, cystometric capacity; and compliance, 0.96). Using H 2 O cystometry as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of CO 2 cystometry for diagnosis of detrusor contractile function were calculated as 1 and 0.72, respectively. Conclusion CO 2 cystometry gives as valid information as H 2 O cystometry in estimating detrusor contractile function in patients with acute urinary retention.