PRESSURE-TO-CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA RELATIONSHIPS IN THE PROXIMAL URETHRA OF MEN WITH BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION

Purpose: Related values of pressure and cross-sectional area in the pr oximal urethra were measured in patients with bladder outlet obstructi on. Urethral opening pressure and elastance (the inverse of compliance ) were estimated. Materials and Methods: We studied 15 men with standa rd urodynamic examinations. The pressure-to-cross-sectional area relat ionship in the prostatic urethra was determined using a special probe. Results: Elastance varied significantly along the studied portion of the urethra, with higher values found in the sphincter area. The estim ated urethral opening pressure appeared high compared to that in unobs tructed cases and without variation along the prostatic urethra. Concl usions: The most important effect of prostatic obstruction appears to be the increased urethral opening pressure.