Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction in Men and Women: an Update on Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) is a rare condition of the lower urinary tract seen in young and middle-aged patients. The true prevalence of this entity is unknown; however, it has been reported in 5–11 % of young women and 28–54 % of young men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The diagnosis of PBNO requires a high index of suspicion and an experienced clinician due to the variety of presenting urinary symptoms, and often a much delayed presentation, which frequently is not reported by patients, and often misdiagnosed by clinicians. Videourodynamics (VUDS) will greatly assist in making the diagnosis. Observation, medical therapy, and surgical therapy are the treatment options with variable success rates. This detailed review focuses on history, presentation, diagnosis, and management of PBNO in both men and women.