Evaluation of obstructed voiding in the female: how close are we to a definition?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The difficulties of defining and evaluating bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in the female patient have been described for several years. This review aims to examine recent literature to summarize progress in the area. RECENT FINDINGS: Within the last 2 years, functional causes of female BOO have been summarized, new nomograms proposed, several case reports of different causes of BOO have been published and work on surgical outcomes and possible diagnostics reported. SUMMARY: Women complain of voiding dysfunction because of different reasons. For clinical decision-making, and to evaluate different surgical procedures, finding a way of detecting and quantifying infravesical obstruction is immensely helpful. This review aims to clarify questions concerning definitions of BOO in women and provide an update on recent advances.

Severity of lower urinary tract symptoms reflects different composition of bladder storage dysfunction and bladder outlet obstruction in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

AIMS: Differentiation of different lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTD) is essential for selecting the optimal first-line medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This study analysed the association of the severity of LUTS with LUTD and therapeutic results based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) voiding to storage (V/S) ratio. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated in 849 men using the IPSS questionnaire and the IPSS-V/S ratio. The prostate measures, urinary flow measures, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were investigated at baseline and 1 month after treatment. Therapeutic results were assessed by changes in the quality of life index (QoL-I). The associations of the severity of LUTS with LUTD and therapeutic results were analysed. RESULTS: Mild (IPSS ≤ 7), moderate (8 ≤ IPSS ≤ 19) and severe LUTS (IPSS ≥ 20) were noted in 215, 461 and 173 men. IPSS-V/S ≤ 1 was noted in 81.4% of patients with mild LUTS, while IPSS-V/S > 1 was noted in 71.1% of patients with severe LUTS. After treatment with alpha-blockers in patients with IPSS-V/S > 1 and antimuscarinic agents in patients with IPSS-V/S ≤ 1 for 1 month, 84.0% and 88.8% of patients with mild LUTS had effective therapeutic results, respectively. In contrast, the therapeutic results were less effective in patients with moderate (64.9% and 63.8%, respectively) or severe LUTS (50% and 33.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and mild LUTS have more bladder storage dysfunction, whereas patients with BPH and severe LUTS had higher grade of bladder outlet disorders in associated with storage symptoms. Treatment based on the IPSS-V/S ratio results in good therapeutic results in men with mild and moderate LUTS, but not in men with severe LUTS.

Can we identify men who will have complications from benign prostatic obstruction (BPO)? ICI-RS 2011.

AIMS: This ICI-RS report aims to analyze morphological or functional complications of the lower or upper urinary tract in elderly men, clarify the association between complications and benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) and define men who will develop these complications. Research proposals to further enlighten these associations were to be defined. METHODS: A think-tank discussion was held on the annual ICI-RS meeting in 2011. The published literature between 1966 and 2011 was reviewed and research proposals were defined with all congress participants. RESULTS: Post-void residual, bladder diverticula or calculi, vesico-ureteral reflux, hydronephrosis, renal insufficiency, and urinary retention appear with greater prevalence in patients with symptoms or signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPO may directly or indirectly be responsible for these complications but conclusive evidence for BPO as the primary cause does not exist. Many of the complications have a multifactorial etiology and BPO is only partially responsible. It is currently impossible to define men who will develop complications. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the widespread belief of urologist, there is only rudimentary data available showing no convincing association between urinary tract complications and BPO. The ICI-RS proposes that prospective trials are conducted to demonstrate the association between complications and BPO by using cystometry, pressure-flow (P/F) studies, and other commonly used BPO parameters in men with complications and comparing those with a cohort of age-matched men without complications. Non-invasive proxy parameters of BPO, for example, ultrasonic measurement of detrusor wall thickness, can be used instead of P/F studies especially in longitudinal trials.

Defining female voiding dysfunction: ICI-RS 2011.

Whilst symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and post micturition symptoms are more commonly reported in men a significant number of women may also complain of voiding dysfunction. However, despite the recent advances in the standardisation of terminology of lower urinary tract dysfunction there remains a lack of consensus regarding a precise diagnosis and definition of voiding abnormalities in women. In addition voiding symptoms may co-exist with storage symptoms as well as those associated with urinary incontinence. Consequently many patients present with a spectrum of different urinary symptoms, related to both storage and voiding, which may be multifactorial in origin or be related to one another. The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature in order to accurately define and classify female voiding dysfunction including causes and aetiology. In addition to reviewing the investigation and management of those women with voiding dysfunction recommendations are proposed for management in clinical practice as well as suggestions for future research.

Classification of male lower urinary tract symptoms using mathematical modelling and a regression tree algorithm of noninvasive near-infrared spectroscopy parameters.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is standard clinical practice in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This is currently achieved through pressure-flow studies. Research indicates that progressive functional impairment of the bladder due to BOO is associated with haemodynamic changes. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an optical method of monitoring tissue oxygenation and haemodynamics via changes in concentration of the chromophores oxyhaemoglobin (O(2)Hb) and deoxyhaemoglobin (HHb). OBJECTIVE: To report a noninvasive technique and mathematic method of analysis for assessment of BOO in male subjects using NIRS and to test the independent ability of NIRS data to distinguish between patients with and without obstruction using a classification and regression tree algorithm (CART). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective cohort study to evaluate subjects presenting for urodynamic assessment of LUTS using standard urodynamic studies with simultaneous transcutaneous NIRS monitoring. The NIRS data (magnitude and pattern of changes in O(2)Hb and HHb) were analysed, and a CART algorithm was constructed. Sixty-four males referred for evaluation of LUTS were studied at a tertiary care, university-based research and clinical facility. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical symptoms were classified using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Pressure-flow studies were done with simultaneous transcutaneous NIRS monitoring of the detrusor. Pressure-flow studies were classified according to the Abrams-Griffiths nomogram. NIRS data documented changes in the concentration of the chromophores O(2)Hb and HHb. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: IPSS scores ranged from 12 to 34, with a mean of 19. The pressure-flow nomogram found 30 patients with BOO, 16 patients without BOO, and 18 patients with equivocal results. The CART found a misclassification error of 4% with 88% specificity and 94% precision. The NIRS instrument and algorithm were new; no asymptomatic subjects were studied. CONCLUSION: Using a CART algorithm, noninvasive NIRS data during voiding had independent discriminatory ability related to classification of BOO.

Invasively estimated International Continence Society obstruction classification versus noninvasively assessed bladder outlet obstruction probability in treatment recommendation for LUTS suggestive of BPH.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the contribution of urodynamically proven presence or absence (International Continence Society classification) of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) to treatment recommendations for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and to investigate the impact of the replacement of the invasively estimated BOO classification with the noninvasively assessed BOO probability on treatment recommendations. METHODS: Mandatory tests, recommended tests, and pressure-flow studies (with BOO classification) were performed in 150 consecutive men with LUTS suggestive of BPH. Three experienced urologists proposed, independently of each other, the treatment for each patient: watchful waiting, pharmacologic treatment, or surgery. After repeat randomization of the patients and replacement of the BOO classification with the BOO probability, the procedure was repeated 1 month later. A third treatment proposal was done after repeat randomization and after replacement of the BOO probability with the BOO classification. RESULTS: The symptom score and quality-of-life score were the most decisive in the treatment recommendations, followed by the BOO probability and BOO classification. The medical history, physical status, and duration of the complaints did not significantly affect the treatment recommendations. The intraindividual agreement between the judgments that included the BOO classification and the judgments that included the BOO probability was comparable to the agreement between both judgments that included BOO classification. The interindividual agreement between the judgments that included the BOO classification was not significantly different from that of the judgments that included the BOO probability. CONCLUSIONS: The symptom score and quality-of-life score were the most decisive in the medical treatment recommendations, followed by the BOO probability and BOO classification. The noninvasively assessed BOO probability was as valuable as the invasively estimated BOO classification in the medical treatment recommendations.

Variation in invasive and noninvasive measurements of isovolumetric bladder pressure and categorization of obstruction according to bladder volume.

PURPOSE: We developed a noninvasive test that provides an estimate of isovolumetric bladder pressure by measuring the pressure required to interrupt voiding using controlled inflation of a penile cuff. We noted variation in serial measurements obtained during a single void and, therefore, we determined whether this represents variation in detrusor contraction strength, as predicted in previous studies, or measurement error. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 symptomatic men underwent simultaneous invasive and noninvasive pressure flow studies. Corresponding values of isovolumetric bladder pressure and cuff interruption pressure were recorded at each flow interruption and grouped according to bladder volume to calculate measurement error and bias at various points during a void. Individual variation in the 2 measurements across a range of normalized bladder volumes was then examined using ANOVA. RESULTS: Cuff interruption pressure showed a consistent level of accuracy as an estimate of isovolumetric bladder pressure across a range of volumes. There were similar, statistically significant differences in isovolumetric bladder pressure and cuff interruption pressure recorded at specific volume increments with the highest values seen in the mid range and the lowest seen at lower bladder volumes (each p <0.01). When plotting, the maximum recorded value of cuff interruption pressure in each individual on our proposed noninvasive pressure flow nomogram provided the best diagnostic accuracy for obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that cuff interruption pressure varies in the expected manner with bladder volume and provides a consistent estimate of isovolumetric bladder pressure throughout a void. These data provide important guidance for interpreting noninvasive pressure flow studies and classifying obstruction on the proposed nomogram.

[The urodynamic nomogram in defining various levels of obstruction in patients with benign prostatic enlargement (part I)]. / Slaganje urodinamskih nomograma u definiranju prelaznih nivoa opstrukcije kod pacijenata sa benignim prostaticnim uvecanjem (I dio).

AIM: To determine matching degrees of urodynamic obstruction among available nomograms in patients with confirmed benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). SAMPLE AND METHODOLOGY: 102 patients with confirmed BPE underwent a complete urodynamic investigation (uroflowmetry, cystometry and pressure/flow study). All the measurements were based on definitions adopted by the International Continence Society. Basic urodynamic data were then manually plotted on the Abrams-Griffiths, URA, ICS and Schafer (LinPURR) nomograms; A/G number was calculated as well. RESULTS: Patients were allocated in the three levels of obstruction by Schafer's nomogram; 24 patients (23.5%) had no obstruction, 28 patients (27.4%) had equivocal or non-defined obstruction, while 50 patients (49.1%) had a significant level of obstruction. Spearman rank correlation coefficient has shown a rather uniform correlation of all nomograms. The correlation between Shafer's nomogram and ICS nomogram is the best one, with rho = 0.89 (p < 0.00001), which is followed by correlations between ICS and A/G nomograms with rho = 0.88 (p < 0.00001) and Schafer and A/G with rho = 0.87 (p < 0.00001). URA nomogram and A/G number have a similar correlation of r = 0.87 (p < 0.00001). According to the levels of obstruction, there is a good correlation in the zone of clear obstruction, as well in the zone out of obstruction among available nomograms (chi 2 test, p > 0.05) (URA has not been subject to this process). However, the above nomograms have shown a significant difference in figures relating to the unclassified zone of obstruction (chi 2 test; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite a very high degree of correlation among individual nomograms, there are considerable differences in figures relating to the unclassified zone of obstruction. This zone should, therefore, be avoided by establishing an optimum model of clear obstruction defining.

Development of a non-invasive strategy to classify bladder outlet obstruction in male patients with LUTS.

To diagnose bladder outlet obstruction in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), it is necessary to measure the bladder pressure via a transurethral (or suprapubic) catheter. This procedure incurs some risk of urinary tract infection and urethral trauma and is sometimes painful to the patient. We developed an external condom catheter to measure non-invasively the bladder pressure and developed a strategy to classify bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) based on this measurement. Seventy-five patients with a wide range of urological diagnoses underwent a pressure-flow study followed by a non-invasive study. We tested five different strategies to classify the patients using the provisional International Continence Society (ICS) method for definition of obstruction as the gold standard. Leakage of the external catheter occurred in eight (40%) of the first 20 tested patients. In the remaining 55 patients, only five (9%) of the measurements failed because of leakage. Of the 75 patients, 56 were successfully tested non-invasively. According to the ICS nomogram, the PFS showed that 22 of these patients were non-obstructed, 12 patients were equivocal, and 22 patients were obstructed. Ten of these 56 patients strained, and we found that the relatively high abdominal pressures in these patients were not reflected in the externally measured bladder pressure. Of the remaining 46 patients, 12 of 13 non-obstructed patients and 30 of 33 combined equivocal and obstructed patients could be correctly classified. We developed a simple, non-invasive classification strategy to identify BOO in those male patients who did not strain during voiding.

Analysis of outcome after thermotherapy using different classifications of bladder outlet obstruction.

The urodynamic profiles of 97 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia undergoing low-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) for lower urinary tract symptoms were analysed using the Abrams/Griffiths nomogram, the urethral resistance algorithm, the linPURR, Schäfer nomogram, and the CHESS classification. A significant clinical response was seen for the whole group, as shown by changes in symptom score, free flow rate, and residual urine. The best symptomatic response was identified in patients in whom obstruction was present, whatever the classification used. Only the two-dimensional CHESS classification was found to predict a group of patients with a better response in both symptoms and objective variables. Obviously, a better response from TUMT can only be predicted by a classification system that identifies the independent variables of footpoint and slope of the PURR. The CHESS classification was the only one of those studied that satisfactorily identified these two parameters and could be used as a system of case selection for this minimally invasive treatment.

Urodynamic and clinical effects of noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments in elderly men with lower urinary tract symptoms stratified according to the grade of obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the symptomatic and urodynamic effects of several noninvasive and minimally invasive treatment modalities to quantify these effects and to compare subjective and objective results within groups with various degrees of obstruction. METHODS: In a prospective study at one center, 487 patients who completed a full screening program including urodynamic investigation started treatment with watchful waiting, terazosin, transurethral microwave thermotherapy, or laser treatment of the prostate; they were re-evaluated symptomatically and urodynamically after 6 months of therapy. The symptomatic and urodynamic results of 87 patients from another center who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate and who had their second urodynamic evaluation 6 months after surgery were also included. RESULTS: In patients without bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), improvement in maximum flow and symptom scores with little change in the degree of obstruction was most apparent, whereas a decrease of detrusor pressure at maximum flow was observed mainly in patients with BOO. The urodynamic effect but not the symptomatic effect of treatments depended on the initial grade of BOO. Urodynamic changes were more marked in the minimally invasive treatment groups compared with the noninvasive treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, symptomatic improvement in the short term does not seem to depend on changes in urodynamic parameters. Future well-controlled studies focusing on the durability of symptomatic and urodynamic effects will be needed to illustrate the relative potential of urodynamic and other clinical parameters to predict a favorable response to current and innovative treatments.

[Combination of Sabal and Urtica extract vs. finasteride in benign prostatic hyperplasia (Aiken stages I to II). Comparison of therapeutic effectiveness in a one year double-blind study]. / Kombination aus Sabal- und Urticaextrakt vs. Finasterid bei BPH (Stad. I bis II nach Aiken). Vergleich der therapeutischen Wirksamkeit in einer einjährigen Doppelblindstudie.

Therapeutic equivalence should be demonstrated in a randomised, reference-controlled multicentric double blind clinical trial with PRO 160/120, a combination of Sabal- and Urtica-Extract, and Finasteride, respectively, in patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, Stage I to II according to Aiken). The study involved 543 patients, who were treated for 48 weeks with two capsules of PRO 160/120 or one capsule of Finasteride per day, in a double dummy design. Primary variable was the change of the maximum urinary flow after 24 weeks of therapy in comparison to therapy start. As secondary variables urodynamic parameters such as average urinary flow, miction volume and miction time were monitored. Urinary symptoms were recorded by the International-Prostate-Symptom-Score (I-PSS, Paris 1993). Additionally, the impacts of the symptoms on quality of life had been assessed by a quality of life questionnaire according to The American Urological Association Measurement Committee (1991). An increase of the urinary flow rate could be observed in both treatment groups (1.9 ml/s with PRO 160/ 120; 2.4 ml/s with Finasteride). During the trial, the average urinary flow increased, whereas the miction time decreased in both groups in a similar extent. The miction volume did not show any relevant differences after treatment with either PRO 160/120 or Finasteride. The I-PSS decreased from 11.3 at the therapy start to 8.2 after 24 weeks and 6.5 (week 48) under PRO 160/120 and from 11.8 to 8.0 and 6.2, under Finasteride, respectively. Accordingly, life quality improved between therapy start and therapy end from 7.5 to 4.3 with PRO 160/120 and from 7.7 to 4.1 with Finasteride. In terms of safety aspects less adverse events occurred with the Sabal/Urtica-Extract as with Finasteride. Especially less cases of diminished ejaculation volume, erectile dysfunction and headache have been reported.

[Benign prostatic hyperplasia: diagnosis in general practice]. / Benigne Prostatahyperplasie: Diagnostik in der Hausarztpraxis.

Despite the availability of modern urological methods, the diagnosis and therapy of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) continues to present problems that are due in part to the discrepancy between the patient's subjective symptoms and the objective findings. With the aim of achieving a "clear" picture of the actual indication or treatment, a differentiated approach involving a careful waighing up of the patient's history, symptoms, basic laboratory investigations and the use of conventional sonography would be desirable in the doctor's office. The present paper describes a rational concept for the "interface" between the general practitioner's office and that of the specialist.

Does anamnestic symptom evaluation or clinical examination give enough information to evaluate the severity of obstruction in benign prostatic hyperplasia?

In this study we have investigated 70 men fulfilling the usual criteria accepted for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The anamnestic evaluation included the Madsen-Iversen symptom score and a quality of life questionnaire. The clinical examination included suprapubic pressure flow measurement, free urinary flow, the determination of residual urine and the ultrasound evaluation of the size of the prostate. The clinical data were correlated with the grade of obstruction according to Schäfer calculated from the pressure/flow studies. No correlation was found between the grade of obstruction and anamnestic symptom data, the size of the prostate or residual urine. A slight correlation was found between the Schäfer grade of obstruction and the flow curve pattern or peak flow.

CHESS classification of bladder-outflow obstruction. A consequence in the discussion of current concepts.

The present discussion on the natural history, growth rate pathophysiology, morbidity, and possible treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) reinforces the need to objectify mechanical BPH-induced obstruction with pressure-flow study. Different methods for the quantification of BPH-induced obstruction exist and the grade of simplification depends on their working mechanism. To review the limitations of the current concepts, 118 BPH patients were selected for computerized pressure-flow data analysis according to quadratic passive urethral resistance relation (PURR) function. The CHESS classification differs from all other concepts due to its two-dimensional character and was developed as a result of the following way of thinking: (1) the whole individual pressure-flow plot is the most accurate basis for further analysis; (2) PURR as the true low-pressure flank of the individual plot is the most favorable definition for mechanical obstruction; (3) PURR quantification requires at least two parameters, footpoint and curvature/slope, with regard to the documented missing significant correlation of both; and (4) a two-parameter-based classification is two-dimensional (CHESS classification).

Is detrusor instability in elderly males related to the grade of obstruction?

Analysis of 185 consecutive patients with BPH revealed concomitant detrusor instability in 20% of the patients. Of all patients 30.9% were not obstructed, 51.8% were moderately obstructed and 17.3% were severely obstructed. Patients with detrusor instability during filling cystometry revealed no differences in average age, prostate volume or symptoms. Mean filling cystometry parameters revealed earlier sense of urge correlating with higher pressures at lower volumes in patients with detrusor instability. Pressure-flow analysis showed no differences between the patients with and without detrusor instability in bladder outflow obstruction parameters. Further analysis, however, revealed that the prevalence of patients with detrusor instability reaches a "steady state" at a moderate level of obstruction. On clinical epidemiological grounds, the conclusion is made that detrusor instability is developing in the early phase of obstruction. Probably detrusor instability and bladder outflow obstruction are concomitant, due to the aging process in many of these patients.