Frequency-volume charts: A tool to evaluate bladder sensation

Bladder sensation is routinely evaluated by cystometric bladder filling and electrical stimulation. These methods require catheterization and stimulate the bladder artificially. In this study, we evaluated whether frequency-volume charts can be used as a non-invasive tool to study bladder sensation during normal daily life. Furthermore the agreement between sensory data obtained from frequency-volume charts and conventional cystometric bladder filling is studied. Materials and Methods: Fifteen healthy female students filled out frequency-volume charts at home and scored the grade of perception of bladder fullness at each micturition. They also measured the volume of three voidings after postponing micturition as long as possible. Sensation of bladder filling was finally evaluated during cystometry. Results: On frequency-volume charts, 65% of all voidings was made without desire to void, only 9.5% was with strong desire. Urgent desire to void was not reported except after voluntarily postponing micturition. Higher grades of perception of fullness were associated with significantly higher voided volumes. Mean volumes for the different sensations of fullness on the charts were not significantly different from volumes at different sensations reported during cystometry. Conclusions: In conclusion, bladder sensation during daily life can be evaluated by scoring the grade of perception of fullness on frequency-volume charts. During life voiding usually occurs without desire to void. The voided volumes at different sensations of fullness are comparable to the volumes at different sensations of filling during cystometry. Therefore, frequency-volume charts with evaluation of perception of fullness may provide an initial non-invasive tool to study bladder sensation.