Bladder outflow obstruction in women: Clinical and basic evaluation

Abstract

Aim: Female bladder outflow obstruction is an underdiagnosed and undermanaged condition. This review article aims to illustrate the basic and clinical evaluation of patients who might have this condition.

Review: Clinical evaluation includes clinical history, examination, and basic investigations, including uroflowmetry and postvoid residual, urinalysis and culture, renal function assessment, ultrasound of kidneys and bladder, voiding cystourethrography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Based on the initial evaluation, if the concern of obstruction is high, the clinician might undergo further advanced evaluation.

Conclusion: Basic evaluation is the initial step in the diagnosis of female bladder outflow obstruction, the clinician need to have a high index of suspicion and often further advanced evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Keywords: bladder outflow obstruction; female lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).