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Inter-observer agreement in the estimation of bladder pressure using a penile cuff
Michael J Drinnan1, Stuart L McIntosh, Wendy A Robson
1Regional Medical Physics Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom. M.J.Drinnan@ncl.ac.uk
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|June 17, 2003
Summary
Experienced urology observers show good agreement when estimating the pressure at which a penile cuff interrupts urinary flow. This suggests single-observer use is sufficient for the cuff test in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Devices
- Clinical Measurement
Background:
- Objective data are crucial for quantifying lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
- An inflatable penile cuff can progressively obstruct urinary flow during voiding.
- The pressure at which flow is interrupted (p(cuff,int)) can be determined using this device.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the inter-observer agreement in estimating p(cuff,int) using an inflatable penile cuff.
- To validate the reliability of the penile cuff test for LUTS assessment.
Main Methods:
- Recorded 486 cuff inflation cycles during 142 voids from 42 subjects.
- Three experienced observers independently assessed each inflation cycle.
- Observers determined suitability for analysis and estimated p(cuff,int), discarding inconsistent measurements.
Main Results:
- 45% of all ratings were excluded, with only 4% discarded for inconsistency.
- Complete agreement on analysis suitability occurred in 79% of inflation cycles.
- For analyzed cycles (n=262), the overall standard deviation error in p(cuff,int) measurements was 4.6 cm H2O.
Conclusions:
- There is good agreement among experienced observers in interpreting penile cuff test data.
- The cuff test demonstrates reliability for measuring p(cuff,int).
- Single-observer assessment is adequate for clinical application of the penile cuff method.