Correlations of urodynamic changes with changes in symptoms and well-being after transurethral resection of the prostate.

PURPOSE: To establish the predictive value of urodynamics on the outcome of transurethral prostate resection for benign prostatic enlargement we correlated urodynamic changes with symptomatic improvement, decreased bother, and increased general well-being and quality of life after transurethral prostate resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men with lower urinary tract symptoms were selected if they met study criteria and underwent tests recommended by the International Scientific Committee on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and if post-void residual urine volume and prostate size were estimated. Patients answered quality of life, symptom index, symptom problem index and benign prostatic hyperplasia impact index questions. Patients also underwent urodynamic evaluation. Men were included in analysis when transurethral prostate resection was selected as the treatment modality. Of the 132 patients included 93 were reevaluated 6 months after transurethral prostate resection.

RESULTS: Improvements after transurethral prostate resection were significantly associated with decreased bladder outlet obstruction (p <0.01). However, 32 cases that were unobstructed or equivocal preoperatively also benefited moderately from resection. Effective capacity, that is cystometric capacity minus post-void residual urine volume, increased by an average of 45% postoperatively. The increase in effective capacity contributed to a significant decrease in symptoms and bother, and to improved well-being. Of the men with a urodynamically proved stable bladder 90% maintained a stable bladder after prostatectomy, while in 50% with a urodynamically proved unstable bladder it became stable postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Performing urodynamics preoperatively helps to predict the degree of symptom relief, decreased bother and increased well-being after transurethral prostate resection.