RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Standardized symptom scores have been developed to evaluate voiding disorders. The most widely used in France are the IPSS and Madsen-Iversen. These self-assessment questionnaires are by definition subjective. The objective of this study was to compare the capacities of the IPSS and Madsen-Iversen score to describe the patient's voiding status and to define the patient's level of understanding of these questionnaires. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred male patients were included in this prospective study. All completed an IPSS and Madsen-Iversen questionnaire. Physical examination, uroflowmetry and post-voiding bladder ultrasonography were also performed. RESULTS: The description of the voiding status was considered to be satisfactory or fairly satisfactory, with a total of 85% for IPSS and 87% for Madsen-Iversen. Understanding of the questionnaire was high with a value of 84% for IPSS and 83% for Madsen-Iversen. Neither the order of completion of the IPSS or Madsen-Iversen questionnaires nor the patient's age influenced these results. CONCLUSIONS: No difference was demonstrated between the IPSS score and the MADSEN-IVERSEN questionnaire in terms of description and comprehension. However, one out of five patients experienced difficulties completing these questionnaires.