Constrictive versus compressive bladder outflow obstruction in men: Does it matter?

Bladder outflow obstruction (BOO) is a urethral resistance (UR) at a level above a clinically relevant threshold. UR is currently graded in terms of the existence and severity of the BOO based on maximum flowrate and associated detrusor pressure only. However, the pressure-flow relation throughout the course of voiding includes additional information that may be relevant to identify the type of BOO. This study introduces a new method for the distinction between the provisionally called compressive and constrictive types of BOO and relates this classification to underlying patient and urodynamic differences between those BOO types.

In total, 593 high-quality urodynamic pressure-flow studies in men were included in this study. Constrictive BOO was identified if the difference Δp between the actual minimal urethral opening pressure (p_muo) and the expected p_muo according to the linearized passive urethral resistance relation (linPURR) nomogram was >25 cmH₂O. Compressive BOO is identified in the complementary case where the pressure difference Δp ≤ 25 cmH₂O. Differences in urodynamic parameters, patient age, and prostate size were explored.

In 81 (13.7%) of the cases, constrictive BOO was found. In these patients, the prostate size was significantly smaller when compared to patients diagnosed with compressive BOO, while displaying a significantly lower maximum flowrate, higher detrusor pressure at maximal flowrate and more postvoid residual (PVR).

This study is an initial step in the validation of additional subtyping of BOO. We found significant differences in prostate size, severity of BOO, and PVR, between patients with compressive and constrictive BOO. Subtyping of voiding-outflow dynamics may lead to more individualized management in patients with BOO.