[Suprapubic puncture: preferable to transurethral catheterization for pressure-flow determination in BPH patients]

To compare suprapubic puncture and transurethral catheterization for pressure-flow determination during voiding in BPH patients.

Both suprapubic puncture and transurethral catheterization were used for pressure-flow determinations during voiding in 23 BPH patients at the mean age of 69.3 years (range 57-77 years) and the related parameters were compared by t-test.

Compared with transurethral catheterization, suprapubic puncture increased Qmax by 1.19 mn/s (P <0.05) and MMC by 66.61 ml (P <0.01) , and reduced the pressure of detrusor at Qmax (Pdet, Qmax) by 10.57 cmH2O (P < 0.05), URA by 11.39 cmH2O (P < 0.01) and AG by 12.94 (P < 0.01). Either according to the Schäfer diagram or with AG > 40 as the diagnostic standard, there were 16 (69.6%) cases of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in the suprapubic puncture group and 20 (87.0%) in the transurethral catheterization group.

In pressure-flow determination during voiding, suprapubic puncture and transurethral catheterization each have its own advantages and disadvantages, but the former is preferred for BPH patients. As for other patients, it all depends on specific conditions.