Catheterized uroflowmetry as a noninvasive test for detrusor acontractility.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of uroflowmetry performed through an indwelling catheter on the differential diagnosis of detrusor acontractility.

Patients And Methods: 50 men aged between 51 and 85 years (mean 66 years) presenting to the outpatient urology department with indwelling catheters due to urinary retention were included in the study. In the supine position, 300 ml of saline was instilled into the bladder and the catheter was blocked; with the patient standing by the flowmeter, the catheter was opened, allowing the patient to void through the catheter. The evaluation continued with a cystometry and pressure-flow study (PFS). The patients were separated into two groups according to the results of the PFS--group 1 with positive detrusor pressure and group 2 with negative detrusor pressure (detrusor acontractility)--and the catheterized uroflow and PFS data were compared.

Results: Statistical significance was seen between detrusor acontractility and peak flow rate (Qmax) on catheterized uroflow when Qmax <10 ml/s was taken as a threshold value (p = 0).

Conclusion: A quick, noninvasive and inexpensive means of assessing lower urinary tract function would improve the management of men needing PFS. This study reveals that catheterized uroflow is a very easy and useful test if the question is whether the bladder is acontractile or not.