Significance of uroflowmetry in small voided volume

ABSTRACT

Uroflowmetry is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of bladder outlet obstruction. Significance of uroflowmetry was studied in small voided volumes as many of the patients with bladder outlet obstruction, are unable to void required volumes i.e. > 150 ml were included. The patients above the age of 50, having IPSS >20, post void residual urine less than 100 ml and voided volumes less than 150 ml. Study parameters were; patients' age, residual urine, traces of uroflowmetry, maximum flow rate [Qmax], average flow rate [Qave], flow time, voiding time and voided volume. Out of 77 patients 23 voided less than 150 ml. 12 patients proved to be obstructed [5 developed retention and 7 were operated due to bothersome score]. Out of 23 patients 12 [52%] proved to be obstructed and 10 [43.45%] were diagnosed by uroflowmetry. Pearson correlation coefficient between voiding time and voided volume was 0.432 [p<.05]. There was no correlation between voided volume and Qmax among these patients who voided less than 150ml. It has been concluded that in some of the cases even with small voided volumes, uroflowmetry can be helpful in diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction