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. 2005;7 Suppl 6(Suppl 6):S14-21.

Pressure flow urodynamic studies: the gold standard for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction

Victor W Nitti

Pressure flow urodynamic studies: the gold standard for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction

Victor W Nitti. Rev Urol. 2005.

Abstract

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men and women. By definition, BOO is determined urodynamically, assessing the pressure-flow relation during voiding. Since the 1960s much work has been done to standardize the urodynamic definitions of obstruction in men and more recently women. Today, urodynamic testing voiding pressure-flow analysis remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of BOO and the etiology of LUTS. The pressure-flow relation is much better defined in men than in women, but recent work suggests that although the definition of obstruction may differ between men and women, the concept of the pressure-flow relation to diagnose obstruction holds true for both genders.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The ICS nomogram. Patients are divided into 3 classes: unobstructed, equivocal, and obstructed, based on the Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI). Modified from Abrams. ICS, International Continence Society; Pdet detrusor pressure; Qmax, maximum flow rate.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Bladder contractility nomogram. Patients are divided into 3 classes: strong, normal, and weak contractility according to the Bladder Contractility Index (BCI). Modified from Abrams. Pdet, detrusor pressure; Qmax, maximum flow rate.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Composite nomogram permitting categorization of patients into 9 zones based on the BOOI and BCI. Modified from Abrams. BOOI, Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index; BCI, Bladder Contractility Index; Pdet, detrusor pressure; Qmax, maximum flow rate.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The Blaivas-Groutz nomogram for female obstruction. Modified from Blaivas and Groutz. Pdet, detrusor pressure; Qmax, maximum flow rate.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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