Is the conservative management of chronic retention in men ever justified?

Summary Paper on Underactive Bladder from the European Association of Urology Guidelines on Non-neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines Panel on non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) aimed to develop a new subchapter on underactive bladder (UAB) in non-neurogenic men to inform health care providers of current best evidence and practice. Here, we present a summary of the UAB subchapter that is incorporated into the 2024 version of the EAU guidelines on non-neurogenic male LUTS.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted from 2002 to 2022, and articles with the highest certainty evidence were selected. A strength rating has been provided for each recommendation according to the EAU Guideline Office methodology.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a urodynamic diagnosis defined as a contraction of reduced strength and/or duration, resulting in prolonged bladder emptying and/or failure to achieve complete bladder emptying within a normal time span. UAB is a terminology that should be reserved for describing symptoms and clinical features related to DU. Invasive urodynamics is the only widely accepted method for diagnosing DU. In patients with persistently elevated postvoid residual (ie, >300 ml), intermittent catheterization is indicated and preferred to indwelling catheters. Alpha-adrenergic blockers are recommended before more invasive techniques, but the level of evidence is low. In men with DU and concomitant benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), benign prostatic surgery should be considered only after appropriate counseling. In men with DU and no BPO, a test phase of sacral neuromodulation may be considered.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The current text represents a summary of the new subchapter on UAB. For more detailed information, refer to the full-text version available on the EAU website (https://uroweb.org/guidelines/management-of-non-neurogenic-male-luts).

PATIENT SUMMARY

The European Association of Urology guidelines on underactive bladder in non-neurogenic adult men are presented here. Patients must be fully informed of all relevant options and, together with their treating physicians, decide on the most optimal management for them.

Can we define the optimal postvoid residual volume at which intermittent catheterization should be recommended, and are there other measures that could guide an intermittent catheterization protocol: ICI-RS 2023

AIMS

The postvoid residual (PVR) volume of urine in the bladder is widely used in clinical practice as a guide to initiate treatment, including clean-intermittent self-catheterization (CISC). It is often believed that an elevated PVR causes complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) and renal failure. However, evidence for this is limited and identifying alternative measures to guide treatment decisions may optimize patient care. At the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society (ICI-RS) meeting in 2023 a Think Tank addressed the question of whether we can define the optimal PVR at which CISC should be recommended, and whether there are other measures that could guide a CISC protocol.

METHODS

The Think Tank conducted a literature review and expert consensus meeting focusing on current limitations in defining and measuring PVR, and highlighting other measures that may optimize selection for, and persistence with, CISC.

RESULTS

There is no consensus on the threshold value of PVR that is considered "elevated" or "significant." There is a lack of standardization on terminology, and the normal range of PVR in different populations of different ages remains to be well-studied. The measurement of PVR is influenced by several factors, including intraindividual variation, timing and method of measurement. Furthermore, the evidence linking an elevated PVR with complications such as UTI and renal failure is mixed. Other measures, such as bladder voiding efficiency or urodynamic parameters, may be better at predicting such complications, and therefore may be more relevant at guiding a CISC protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of high quality evidence to support PVR as a predictor for complications of UTI or renal failure. Threshold values for normal PVR in different populations are unknow, and so threshold values for "elevated" or "significant" PVR cannot be determined. Other factors, such as urodynamic findings, may be better at predicting complications and therefore guiding management decisions, and this remains to be studied. Areas for further research are proposed.

Expectant long-term follow-up of patients with chronic urinary retention

AIMS

To describe urologic complications in patients with chronically elevated post-void residual (PVR) volumes and to evaluate other related risk factors during a long-term follow-up in patients managed conservatively.

METHODS

Non-neurogenic patients who refused surgical intervention of the prostate and had PVR volumes >300 mL on two or more separate occasions at least 6 months apart were included. We followed this cohort over time, recorded complications and evaluated risk factors for complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight men with a mean age of 74 were followed for a median of 56 months (IQR: 26-101 months); 26 had benign prostatic hyperplasia with a median prostate size of 55 cc. Baseline median PVR was 468 cc (IQR: 395-828) and follow-up median PVR was 508 cc (IQR: 322-714). During follow-up, 13 patients (46%) had at least one complication with acute urinary retention being the most common occurring in 10 patients (36%) with 15 episodes. Other complications presented in less than 15%, and no patients developed permanent renal insufficiency. Patients with prostate size ≥ 100 cc had significantly higher total number of acute retention episodes (P-value: 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the presence of CUR could commonly predispose to episodes of acute retention, severe complications are infrequent although present. Additionally, prostate size may play a role in increasing some adverse outcomes. With proper counseling about different complications, patients with retention who denied surgical treatment can be safely followed for at least 5 years without renal deterioration.

Do Urodynamic Findings Other Than Outlet Obstruction Influence the Decision to Perform a Transurethral Resection of Prostate?

OBJECTIVE

To determine if urodynamic findings other than high-pressure voiding influence the decision to perform a transurethral resection of prostate (TURP).

METHODS

Four clinical scenarios were created featuring a healthy 65-year-old man. An electronic survey was distributed to members of the International Continence Society and the Society for Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction.

RESULTS

Eighty-six urologists responded (median age was 45-54 years, 62% described their practice as academic). Scenario 1: an incidental residual urine >1 L with detrusor underactivity. The majority (76%) would offer a TURP; however, the estimated chance that the residual volume would improve was only 57%. Scenario 2: retention with detrusor overactivity but no voluntary voiding contraction. The majority (72%) would offer a TURP; however, the average chance quoted that he would void was only 48%. Scenario 3: catheter-dependent retention and an underactive detrusor. The majority (89%) would offer a TURP; however, the average chance quoted that he would void was only 53%. Scenario 4: a man with only frequency and urgency, but urodynamic bladder outlet obstruction. The majority (90%) would offer him a TURP; however, the average chance that his frequency and urgency would improve was only 64%, and the average estimated postoperative risk of urgency incontinence was 33%. Willingness to offer TURP did not correlate with physician characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Urodynamic findings other than bladder outlet obstruction were associated with modest perceived outcomes after TURP; however, despite this, urologists are still willing to offer this intervention.

Does Post-Void Residual Volume Predict Worsening Urological Symptoms in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis?

PURPOSE

Our goal was to examine how post-void residual urine volume relates to urinary symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with multiple sclerosis who had lower urinary tract symptoms and presented to a tertiary neurourology clinic. Patients for whom post-void residual volume was recorded at the initial urological assessment were included in our analysis. Results of the AUA (American Urological Association) SI (Symptom Index) and the M-ISI (Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index) completed at this visit were analyzed to assess the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms and incontinence. A chart review was performed to obtain information on demographics and documented urinary tract infections.

RESULTS

Between 2014 and 2017, 110 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis underwent post-void residual volume measurement at our clinic. Average post-void residual volume was 123.4 cc (range 0 to 650 cc). The mean AUA symptom score was 19.1 with an average bother score of 4.1. Analysis of post-void residual volume as a continuous variable did not show an association between increasing post-void residual volume and an increasing AUA SI or bother score (p = 0.53 and 0.44, respectively). When evaluated by post-void residual volume tertile, no relationship was found between post-void residual volume, and the AUA SI and the M-ISI (p = 0.54 and 0.57, respectively). No correlation was also found between increasing post-void residual volume and a recent history of recurrent urinary tract infections (p = 0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-void residual volume was not associated with worsening obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms as assessed by the AUA SI, worsening incontinence as measured by the M-ISI score or an increased risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in select patients with multiple sclerosis and lower urinary tract symptoms.

The underactive bladder: diagnosis and surgical treatment options

The underactive bladder (UAB)/detrusor underactivity (DU) is a relatively common condition. It is difficult to diagnose and can be difficult to manage. The aim of this review is to provide a review of the diagnosis and different surgical treatment options for UAB/DU. A comprehensive literature review using medical search engines was performed. The search included a combination of the following terms, UAB, DU, TURP, reduction cystoplasty, bladder diverticulectomy and sacral neuromodulation (SNM). Search results were assessed for their overall relevance to this review. Definitions, general overview and management options were extracted from the relevant medical literature. DU affects up to 45% of men and women >70 years of age. The symptoms of DU overlap significantly with overactive bladder (OAB) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Urodynamic findings include low voiding pressure combined with slow intermittent flow and incomplete bladder emptying. Non-operative management for DU is acceptable; only 1 in 6 male patients may need a TURP and acute urinary retention (AUR) is rare. TURP for DU is feasible and is associated with good short and medium term outcomes, but over time, there is a return to baseline symptoms. Bladder diverticulectomy can also improve DU, but there is a paucity of guidelines on patient selection. SNM provides excellent outcomes for DU, but patient selection is important.

Evaluation of Impact of Voiding Posture on Uroflowmetry Parameters in Men

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of voiding position on uroflowmetry parameters and to assess its potential clinical implications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective study from 2013 to 2015 and included men between 18 and 77 years old who were either healthy volunteers with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≤7 or men with benign prostate enlargement that were on alpha-blocker medication and had an IPSS <10. Participants underwent uroflowmetry and post-void residual urine (PVRU) measurements twice, once in a sitting position and once in a standing position. The participants were divided into 4 groups based on age (35 years or younger, 36 to 50 years, 51 to 60 years, and older than 60 years).

RESULTS

A total of 740 men with a mean age of 40.35 years were evaluated. There was no significant difference in uroflowmetry parameters until the age of 50 years between the voiding positions. However, in those older than 50 years, PVRU volume was significantly lower in the sitting position than the standing position, whereas voiding time was significantly higher in the sitting position than the standing position. Other uroflowmetry parameters, including maximal and average urine flow rates, were non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The voiding position plays an important role in the uroflowmetry parameters of elderly men. Voiding in the sitting position was found to be optimal for elderly men, whereas the role of the voiding position in healthy young men could not be determined. More research is needed to further study this issue.

Urinary Retention in Surgical Patients

Urinary retention is an important and potentially avoidable postoperative complication. Identifying risk factors for retention is important given expedient bladder decompression is important for long-term outcomes. Age, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and lower urinary tract symptoms are patient factors that predispose to retention. Surgery-related factors include operative time, intravenous fluid administration, type of anesthesia, and procedure type. The mainstay for treatment in the acute setting is Foley catheter placement. Starting alpha-blockers in men is also indicated as they increase voiding trial success. Long-term solutions for chronic retention include a variety of surgeries, with transurethral prostatectomy as the gold standard.

Measurement of post-void residual bladder volumes in hospitalized older adults

BACKGROUND

It is commonly recommended to catheterize or closely follow up patients with post-void residual volumes of 150 mL or more, but the frequency of such findings in geriatric hospitalized patients and the need for intervention are unclear.

METHODS

Post-void residual volumes were measured by ultrasound examination within 14 hours of admission in 464 patients aged 70 years or more who were hospitalized in a regional hospital general internal medicine department. Outcome variables included the need for an indwelling catheter and complications of urinary retention during the hospitalization.

RESULTS

Post-void residual volumes of ≥150 mL were common (23.9%; 111/464) and had the following distribution: 150 to 299 mL, 13.1% (61/464); 300 to 499 mL, 6.4% (30/464); and 500 mL or more, 6% (28/464). The rate of indwelling catheters was 3.2% (15/464). Results of post-void residual volumes did not predict the need for indwelling catheters in those without other criteria, although those with indications for indwelling catheters had a significantly higher frequency of post-void residual volumes ≥500 mL (P < .001) compared with those without such indications.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that urinary retention in hospitalized geriatric patients is common, but measurements of post-void residual volumes did not have definite clinical utility. However, the study had limited power to determine the benefits or potential harms of urinary catheterization for elevated post-void residual volumes.

The cutoff value of bladder voiding efficiency for predicting surgical outcomes after GreenLight HPS™ laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate

PURPOSE

A large postvoid residual (PVR) has been considered to be an indicator for the need to further management. However, the threshold level of PVR has been not defined. We determined the PVR volume by using bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) that would predict surgical outcomes after GreenLight HPS™ laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (HPS-PVP).

METHODS

A total of 193 patients who underwent HPS-PVP were divided into two groups based on BVE: >75% (group A) and ≤75% (group B). BVE was calculated by dividing voided volume by voided volume plus PVR. Surgical outcomes were assessed from the ratio of the IPSS, the difference in Qmax, and the difference in the quality of life IPSS subscore (QoL) before surgery and at 3, 12, and 36 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements in all outcome measures after 3, 12, and 36 months; the improvement in Qmax was greater in group A than group B at each time point. The IPSS ratio was significantly greater in group A than group B at 3 months. There was no difference in QoL between the groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BVE correlated significantly with short-term surgical success, but not with prostate volume or age. In the area under curve of ROC analysis, the BVE cutoff value of 75% showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting the short-term success of surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a large PVR may predict relatively slight improvements in short-term surgical outcomes after HPS-PVP. The cutoff value of PVR in predicting surgical success is 25% or more of residual fraction.

Rapid and complete decompression of chronic urinary retention: a safe and effective practice

We carried out a prospective study of consecutive patients who presented with chronic urinary retention over a period of 2 years in order to determine the safety and effectiveness of rapid and complete decompression of chronic urinary retention. A total of 22 patients met the inclusion criteria. Although slow decompression is thought to reduce complications, it harbours the disadvantages of impracticability, time and labour demands and an increased risk of infection. Post-obstructive diuresis, haematuria and hypotension are relatively frequent in rapid and complete decompression of chronic urinary retention. However, they are mild, transient and clinically insignificant. Rapid and complete decompression of the chronically obstructed urinary bladder not only saves time, it is safe and effective and should be adopted as the standard practice.

Emergency management of acute urinary retention: results from an all-Ireland urologist practice survey

INTRODUCTION

Anecdotal evidence suggests that current service restrictions and operative cancellations are resulting in increased numbers of catheterized men in the community awaiting definitive management of their bladder outlet obstruction. We wished to analyse current admission policies and management strategies of acute urinary retention (AUR) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) in Ireland.

METHODS

A total of 58 consultant urologists practicing in Ireland were sent a questionnaire about their management of AUR secondary to BPE. Data was collected relating to initial emergency management, timing of trial without catheter (TWOC), their use of alpha-blockers and follow-up policy.

RESULTS

Urethral catheterization is the initial management of choice by all 42 respondents. The patient is routinely admitted after catheterization by 20/42 consultants (48 %) and 22/42 (52 %) discharge the patient home with a urinary catheter (UC). TWOC is performed on day 2 in 11/20 (55 %) and on day 3 in 9/20 (45 %). In terms of individuals who admit patients presenting with AUR one failed TWOC is an indication for transurethral resection of the prostate in 10/20 (50 %), with 6/20 (30 %) performing a second TWOC on the same admission and 4/20 (20 %) discharging the patient for interval TURP. A total of 83 % of respondents, all of whom work in public institutions, expressed concerns relating to elective admission difficulties for definitive management of catheterized patients following AUR.

CONCLUSION

There is variation in the admission policy for AUR in Ireland. Elective admission and operative restrictions for catheterized patients following episodes of AUR are causing concern to the urologists in Ireland.

Post-Void Residual Urine Volume is Not a Good Predictor of the Need for Invasive Therapy Among Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE

We assessed the value of baseline PVR as predictor of the need for invasive therapy during long-term followup of patients with clinical BPH treated initially with alpha1-blockers or WW.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of a cohort of 942 patients with BPH treated with alpha(1)-blockers or WW were reviewed. Baseline I-PSS scores, PSA, prostate volume, uroflowmetry, pressure flow parameters and followup data were collected prospectively. Correlations between PVR and other baseline parameters were calculated. The 5-year cumulative risks of invasive therapy were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. After stratification of PVR by various cutoff levels (50, 100 and 300 ml), rate ratios between large and small PVRs were calculated using proportional hazards analyses.

RESULTS

PVR has weak (-0.2<R <0.2) correlations with other baseline parameters. With increasing PVR cutoff levels, the 5-year cumulative risk of invasive therapy for the large PVR subgroup, increases from 45% to 64% and from 15% to 21% in the alpha1-blockers and WW group, respectively. Large PVR yields a significant 2-fold up to a 4-fold increased risk of invasive therapy compared to small PVR in both treatment groups. In multivariate models these significant risk differences largely disappear, although a statistically not significant higher risk remains for the large PVR (greater than 300 ml) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, baseline PVR has little prognostic value for the risk of BPH related invasive therapy in patients on alpha1-blocker and WW. Only patients with large PVR have a 2-fold increased risk of invasive therapy compared to patients with smaller PVR.

Urinary retention in a general rehabilitation unit: prevalence, clinical outcome, and the role of screening

OBJECTIVE

To document the prevalence of, risk factors for, and outcomes of, urinary retention (UR).

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

A subacute general (predominantly geriatric) rehabilitation unit.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred nineteen consecutive patients (196 women, 123 men).

INTERVENTIONS

Twenty-two patients were catheterized for acute UR in the acute facility prior to transfer to rehabilitation. Patients admitted without catheters (n=297) had their postvoid residual (PVR) volumes assessed via a bladder scanner within 72 hours of admission.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

PVR volumes of 150 mL or more were considered abnormal.

RESULTS

PVR volumes in the 297 "asymptomatic" patients were 150 mL or more in 64 (21.5%) patients. The risk of UR was greatest among male patients who had lower admission FIM instrument scores, neurologic disorders (eg, stroke or multiple sclerosis), cognitive impairment, urinary incontinence, a history of previous prostate, bladder, or voiding problems, were taking anticholinergic medications, or were immobile. Patients with UR were significantly more likely to have a urinary tract infection at admission, have urinary incontinence on discharge, and to be discharged with referrals for community services for personal care or to residential care. Although patients with UR on admission had a lower discharge FIM score, they generally showed a greater degree of improvement in their FIM scores during their stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically unsuspected UR is common in patients admitted to a general rehabilitation unit. We recommend that all patients be screened for PVR on admission as an aid in bladder management.

A prospective randomized trial comparing transurethral prostatic resection and clean intermittent self-catheterization in men with chronic urinary retention

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a preliminary period of clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) before transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) improves bladder contractility and surgical outcome in men with chronic urinary retention (CUR), and whether pressure-flow studies (PFS) before TURP predict the outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was a two-centre, pragmatic and randomized trial. Included were 41 men scheduled for TURP with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of > 7, benign prostatic enlargement and a persistent postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) of > 300 mL. They had conventional PFS using unphysiological filling. The patients then gave consent and were randomized into two treatment groups; the first had TURP after stabilizing renal function by indwelling catheterization if indicated, and the second was taught CISC. Men in both groups were reviewed at 3 and 6 months after surgery or the start of CISC, by the IPSS, urine culture and assay of plasma creatinine, and upper tract imaging and repeat PFS at 6 months. The primary outcome variables were IPSS, maximum urinary flow rate, voiding and end-filling pressures, and mean PVR; secondary variables included treatment failure, complications and other urodynamic measures.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients, 17 (mean age 67 years, range 52-84) were randomized to immediate TURP and 24 (mean age 69 years, range 55-85) to CISC. There was a significant improvement in IPSS and quality of life at 6 months in both groups (P < 0.001). In the CISC group there was a significant improvement in voiding and end-filling pressures, indicating recovery of bladder function (P < 0.001 for each). Of the 41 men, nine (22%) with voiding pressures of < or = 45 cmH2O had no significant improvement in symptoms or urodynamic variables. Detrusor overactivity was found in 17 (41%) patients, of whom six had upper tract dilatation which resolved after treatment.

CONCLUSION

The present results emphasize the usefulness of CISC in ensuring the recovery of bladder function in men with CUR. Measuring the voiding pressure before TURP can predict the surgical outcome. Both CISC and immediate TURP are effective for relieving LUTS and result in a better quality of life. A preliminary period of CISC before TURP for men with CUR and low voiding pressure may be valuable. The presence of upper tract dilatation is associated with high end-void and end-fill bladder pressures, and such men have a good outcome from surgery.

Is benign prostatic hyperplasia a risk factor for chronic renal failure?

PURPOSE

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic renal failure (CRF) are common medical conditions in older men. Based on the low prevalence of CRF in clinical trials recent American Urological Association guidelines have not recommended routine serum creatinine screening in men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. However, chronic renal failure is a well described complication of obstructive BPH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A structured MEDLINE review of the literature on the association between BPH and CRF from 1966 to 2003 was performed.

RESULTS

Most studies were referral based and did not represent the full spectrum of BPH in men. The definition of renal failure varied from a serum creatinine cutoff of 1.5 to 3.0 mg/dl. Differentiating acute and chronic renal failure, and acute and chronic urinary retention was often not done. Various combinations of chronic retention with large residual urine volumes (greater than 300 ml), detrusor instability and decreased bladder compliance were associated with chronic renal failure. Ureterovesicular junction obstruction from bladder remodeling in chronic urinary retention was the most commonly proposed mechanism for CRF. However, episodic acute urinary retention, urinary tract infections and secondary hypertension may also have a role. Studies showed significant improvement in renal function after prostate surgery but the acuity of renal failure was generally not known.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of the association between BPH and CRF is unknown and more community based, observational studies are needed. However, an association exists and it should be considered in men presenting with obstructive BPH or CRF.