Predictability of conventional tests for the assessment of bladder outlet obstruction in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Background: The degree of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is most accurately quantified by pressure flow studies (PFS), although these studies are more invasive and complicated than conventional tests. We examined how precisely conventional tests predicted the PFS-assessed degree of BOO. Methods: The study population consisted of 232 BPH patients who had undergone routine conventional tests and PFS. Correlation of the conventional test results with the degree of BOO assessed by PFS was examined by Spearman's correlation coefficients. Regression and subgroup analyses were performed to predict the degree of BOO using the conventional test results as the explanatory variables. Results: The degree of BOO correlated with prostate volume, the degree of endoscopic obstruction, and to a lesser extent, with the maximum flow rate (Q(max)) and age. The predictability of conventional tests alone, or in combination, for BOO, was approximately 60% to 70%, which is not acceptable for investigational use. However, almost all patients with a prostate volume larger than 30 mL, or with severe obstruction on urethroscopic findings, had an obstructed bladder outlet. Conclusion: PFS is mandatory when the precise evaluation of the degree of BOO is required, and patients are highly likely to have an outlet obstruction when they have a prostate larger than 30 mL, or severely obstructed posterior urethra on endoscopy.