Uroflowmetry and evaluation of voiding disorders.

Uroflowmetry (UFM) is a simple, noninvasive way of evaluating the dynamics of micturition. The amount of information provided by UFM, along with ultrasonic estimation of residual urine in the bladder, usually is enough in the routine evaluation of elderly men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). A small subgroup, however, will require more detailed urodynamic testing. It also has made the decision concerning treatment of patients with stricture urethrae, managed by urethrotomy or dilatation, more objective. The role of UFM as an initial tool in the evaluation of all patients presenting with LUTS, irrespective of age and gender, is evolving. The addition of new parameters, performing UFM in the domiciliary setup, and the introduction of new software to facilitate interpretation will further enhance its ability in the evaluation of micturition disorders. The main limitation of UFM is its inability to discriminate between poor detrusor function and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), for which pressure flow studies are necessary. This article reviews the current opinion concerning the principles and practice of UFM in the evaluation of LUTS.