Ultrasound estimated bladder weight in men attending the uroflowmetry clinic

Abstract

Aims To determine if measurements of ultrasound estimated bladder weight (UEBW) provide an additional diagnostic tool when assessing men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the uroflowmetry clinic. Methods One hundred men with LUTS attending the uroflowmetry clinic underwent transabdominal ultrasound measurement of bladder weight, using the BVM 9500 bladder scanner (Verathon Medical, Bothell, WA). These data were explored for any correlation between measurements of maximum flow rate (Qmax) with UEBW, age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), ICIQ M-LUTS score, M-LUTS voiding score, M-LUTS incontinence score, IPSS, IPSS quality of life score, voided volume, and post-void residual urine. Based on previously reported probabilities of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), patients were grouped for analysis (Group 1 = Qmax 15). A one-way ANOVA was undertaken to assess any difference in mean UEBW between the three groups. Results Statistically significant negative correlations between Qmax and age (r = −0.308, P = 0.002), M-LUTS voiding score (r = −0.298, P = 0.003), IPSS (r = −0.295, P = 0.003), and post-void residual (r = −0.213, P = 0.033) were observed. A statistically significant positive correlation between Qmax and voided volume (r = 0.503, P < 0.01) was observed. No association between Qmax and UEBW was observed (r = 0.12, P = 0.243). Mean UEBW for the three groups was remarkably similar. One-way ANOVA identified there was no statistically significant effect of UEBW on QmaxF(2, 97) = 0.175, P = 0.840. Conclusion Mean UEBW did not differ significantly between the three Qmax groups. Further work is required to investigate the relationship of Qmax and UEBW in men with urodynamic confirmation of either BOO or detrusor underactivity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:583–586, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.