Evaluation of voiding dysfunction and measurement of bladder volume

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Voiding dysfunction evaluation often requires noninvasive tests.
• Postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) is a key metric.
• PVR can be measured via catheterization or bladder ultrasound.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the benefits of bedside bladder ultrasound for PVR measurement.
• To discuss the utility of bladder ultrasound in diverse patient populations.
• To explore emerging applications of bladder ultrasound in urology.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of PVR measurement techniques (catheterization vs. ultrasound).
• Review of bladder ultrasound's application in various clinical scenarios.
• Discussion of ultrasound's role in evaluating bladder abnormalities.

Main Results:

• Bedside bladder ultrasound offers convenience, efficiency, and safety for PVR measurement.
• Ultrasound is suitable for hospitalized patients, children, and the elderly.
• Bladder ultrasound is increasingly used for procedures like suprapubic aspiration and mass evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Bedside bladder ultrasound is a valuable noninvasive tool for assessing PVR and voiding dysfunction.
• Its safety and efficiency make it applicable across a broad patient spectrum.
• Emerging uses include assessing bladder wall thickness and masses, potentially indicating outflow obstruction.