[Analysis of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with lumbar disk herniation]

To evaluate the characteristic and clinical significance of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by lumbar disk herniation.

A total of 80 male patients from February 2000 to April 2010 in our hospital with lumbar disk herniation underwent an urodynamic test. And they were divided into the normal bladder function group (Group A), the early-stage of bladder dysfunction group (Group B) and the late-stage of bladder dysfunction group (Group C) according to the urodynamic results. LUTS in these patients were assessed by the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and quality of life (QOL) questionnaire. The results were analyzed statistically among these three groups.

In Groups A (n=30), B (n=22) and C (n=28), the total IPSS scores were 9.4±4.6, 11.3±3.3 and 15.0±3.4 while the QOL scores 2.1±1.1, 2.2±1.0 and 3.4±1.3 respectively. The total voiding symptom scores were 3.8±2.7, 6.2±2.6 and 10.4±3.1 respectively and the differences were significant (all P<0.05). The total storage symptom scores were 5.6±3.4, 5.1±2.9 and 4.6±2.3 in 3 groups respectively and the difference was insignificant (P>0.05). Between Groups A and B, the differences of total voiding symptom score were significant (P<0.01) while those of the total IPSS and QOL score were insignificant (both P>0.05). Between Groups B and C, the differences of the total IPSS, QOL score and total voiding symptom score were significant (all P<0.05).

The LUTS caused by lumbar disk herniation are notable during the late stage of bladder dysfunction. As one typical early manifestation, the voiding symptom may aid an early diagnosis of the disease.