The Usefulness of Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion and Bladder Wall Thickness Measurement Using Transabdominal Ultrasound in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Kim, Byung Hoon; Sohn, Ji Choal; Park, Choal Hee; Kim, Chun Il

Abstract

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether intravesical protrusion of the prostate (IPP) and bladder wall thickness (BWT) are related to prostate volume (PV), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From September 2003 to May 2004, 152 patients with LUTS/BPH were included in this study. Their ages ranged from 46 to 86 years, with an average of 65.0 years. PV (measured by transrectal ultrasonography), serum PSA, IPSS, maximal flow rate (Qmax), post-voiding residual urine volume (PVR), acute urinary retention (AUR) and relationship with irritative or obstructive voiding symptoms were recorded. IPP and BWT were measured using transabdominal ultrasonography. The degree of protrusion was classified as grade I (less than 5mm), II (5 to 10mm) or III (greater than 10mm). The degree of thickness was classified as grade I (less than 5mm) or II (5mm or greater).
RESULTS
The higher IPP and BWT grades showed significant differences with higher PV, serum PSA and IPSS (p<0.05). Especially, higher BWT grade was associated with higher PVR and AUR (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between grades and irritative or obstructive symptoms (p>0.05). Qmax showed no statistical significance between IPP and BWT (p>0.05). There was no correlation between IPP and BWT grades.
CONCLUSIONS
IPP and BWT showed a statistically significant relation with PV, serum PSA and IPSS. Especially, higher BWT was associated with higher PVR and AUR. If symptomatic BPH patients receive medical treatment, IPP and BWT measurements appear to be useful predictors of BOO.