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Professional Technical IVT

bladder compliance

Measure of the bladder's ability to accommodate increasing volumes at low pressure during filling.

Full Definition

Bladder compliance is a urodynamic parameter that quantifies the bladder's capacity to store increasing volumes of urine while maintaining low intravesical pressure. It is calculated as the change in volume divided by the change in pressure (ΔV/ΔP) and expressed in mL/cmH2O. Normal compliance indicates a bladder that accommodates filling with minimal pressure rise, while poor compliance suggests a stiff bladder that generates high pressures during filling. In pediatric urology, poor compliance can lead to upper tract deterioration and requires intervention to protect kidney function.

Usage

Usage note: Always specify units (mL/cmH2O) when reporting numerical values.

In Context

  • "Urodynamic studies revealed severely reduced bladder compliance of 2 mL/cmH2O." — Urodynamic report
  • "Bladder augmentation was recommended due to persistently poor compliance despite anticholinergic therapy." — Treatment planning note

Also known as

vesical compliance

Contrasted with

poor compliance low compliance

Don't confuse with

bladder capacity detrusor pressure elastance

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