The relationship between pressure flow studies and ultrasound-estimated bladder wall mass.

The basic evaluation of suspected voiding dysfunction involves fundamental objective tools such as the pressure-flow study. Although accurate, the several drawbacks to this invasive study of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) are discussed and evaluated. Other non-invasive and/or minimally invasive ways of diagnosing BOO continue to be the subject of investigation. The ultrasound-estimated bladder wall thickness and bladder wall mass indices are 2 parameters that may be useful for screening and diagnosing BOO. Preliminary results are presented from the prospective clinical trial comparing the diagnosing capabilities and results obtained with pressure-flow studies (the historic gold standard for BOO diagnosing) with that of ultrasound-estimated bladder weight.