Correlation between the presence of inguinal hernia and the intensity of lower urinary tract symptoms

Abstract

PURPOSE: To verify the correlation between the presence of IH and the intensity of LUTS related to BPH quantified through the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). METHODS: We prospectively selected 52 patients over the age of 55years; Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1: composed of 32 patients with IH; Group 2 (control group): composed of 20 patients with no clinical evidence of IH. All patients were assessed using the IPSS, uroflowmetry (Qmax), post-void residual urine volume (PVR) and prostate volume (PV). RESULTS: Groups 1 and 2 presented no difference in PV (p>0.05) and uroflowmetry (Qmax) (p>0.05). There was a statistical significant difference between the PVR mean values between groups 1 and 2. The presence of IH correlated with a higher IPSS score (r=0.38 p<0.05) despite the fact the no difference was detected between the incidence of patients with mild, moderate and severe LUTS in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: Patients with IH present higher IPSS. The role of IPSS as a marker to predict the development of clinical IH still to be determined.