investigations in secondary care

Last edited 12/2018

Investigations to consider include:

  • urine flow studies:
    • proximal bladder outflow obstruction results in a lower peak flow rate which is delayed
    • a urethral stricture results in a lower peak flow rate but with characteristic plateauing of the trace
    • intermittent flow indicates a neuropathic bladder

  • transabdominal ultrasound - provides information on bladder size, thickness of bladder wall, residual volume of urine, dilatation of upper tract

  • CT urogram - indicated if there is haematuria

  • ascending urethrogram or flexible cystoscopy - if urethral stricture suspected

  • cystoscopy:
    • demonstrates middle lobe if Urolift procedure is planned
    • occasionally shows alterative causes of LUTS (bladder stone or tumour)

  • Transrectal ultrasound of prostate - estimates volume and presence of middle lobe

  • MRI of prostate - if prostate cancer is suspected