Bladder dysfunction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: relevance of cystometry as prognostic indicator of the outcome after prostatectomy

Abstract

Background: We correlated cystometric findings to the clinical features of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and compared them in terms of outcome after prostatectomy.

Methods: Cystometric findings obtained from 78 patients who underwent prostatectomy were correlated with clinical features in BPH patients. In 41 consecutive patients of this group, prospective periodical cystometry was also performed.

Results: Low bladder compliance correlated significantly with an increase in age and prostate volume, detrusor instability and impaired contractility. Low compliance also correlated with irritative symptoms, decreased maximum flow rate, increased post-void residual urine and an increase in the American Urological Association symptom score. Postoperative persistent incontinence was associated with low bladder compliance and detrusor instability. In a prospective study, bladder dysfunction was not completely restored in 53% of patients examined at a mean interval of 7.7 months after prostatectomy.

Conclusions: Among the cystometric parameters investigated, low compliance was the most relevant to the clinical features of BPH and had some predictive value for the outcome after prostatectomy. In about half of the BPH patients with bladder dysfunction preoperatively, this condition was irreversible for a significant period of time after prostatectomy, in spite of surgical relief of the infravesical obstruction.