From the Research
Normal bladder filling, also known as cystometry, typically ranges from 157-345 mL in adults, as measured by maximum cystometric capacity, according to the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Findings
- The maximum cystometric capacity is an important parameter in evaluating lower urinary tract function.
- The study found that the maximum voided volume (MVV) and maximum bladder capacity (MBC) were not consistent across different measurement methods, including voiding diary, uroflowmetry, and cystometrography.
- The MBC measured during cystometrography was lower than the MVV measured during voiding diary and uroflowmetry.
Clinical Implications
- The discrepancy between MVV and MBC may be related to the poor compliance of children during the urodynamic procedure.
- Evaluating bladder capacity values, especially those obtained from invasive studies, in conjunction with clinical findings can prevent misdiagnosis, over investigation, and overtreatment in children with non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.
- The maximum cystometric capacity should be interpreted with caution, taking into account the individual's clinical presentation and other urodynamic parameters 1.
Comparison with Other Studies
- A study from 2022 found that maximum voided volume is a better clinical parameter for bladder capacity than maximum cystometric capacity in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia 2.
- Another study from 2014 established typical value ranges for cystometric capacity, which ranged from 157-345 mL 3.
- Overall, the most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the most accurate estimate of normal bladder filling values.