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Is bladder outlet obstruction normal in elderly men without lower urinary tract symptoms?
I Bøtker-Rasmussen1, P Bagi, J B Jørgensen
1Department of Urology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|October 26, 1999
Summary
Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is surprisingly common in asymptomatic elderly men. Basic tests like uroflowmetry showed a strong correlation with obstruction, unlike symptom scores or residual urine volume.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Geriatrics
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Asymptomatic elderly men often undergo urological assessments.
- The prevalence and diagnostic indicators of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in this population are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate basic voiding parameters with pressure-flow studies in asymptomatic elderly men.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of uroflowmetry, symptom scores, and residual urine volume for detecting BOO.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-nine asymptomatic elderly men (median age 66) underwent uroflowmetry, symptom scoring, residual urine measurement, and pressure-flow studies.
- The Abrams/Griffith nomogram was used to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).
Main Results:
- 52% of subjects were diagnosed with BOO.
- A maximum flow rate (Qmax) <10 mL/s had 100% positive predictive value for obstruction.
- Symptom scores and residual urine volume (>50 mL) showed no significant correlation with obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is highly prevalent in asymptomatic elderly men.
- Uroflowmetry is a valuable diagnostic tool, while symptom scores and residual volumes are less reliable for detecting BOO in this group.
- Current obstruction diagnostic criteria may be set too low.