FORMULA-DERIVED PROSTATE VOLUME DETERMINATION

Objectives: Despite disadvantages such as time-consuming and tedious t o the user, planimetric volumetry is considered to be the most accurat e method for prostate volume determination. This study investigates th e possibilities of formula-derived volume determination and reveals th e best alternative to planimetric volumetry. Methods: The prostate vol ume is calculated using prostatic dimensions (length, height and width ) in four mathematical descriptions for prostate volume calculations. As reference, the planimetric results obtained with 4 mm step size wer e used. Results: Compared to the results of planimetric volumetry obta ined with 4-mm intersection distance, the best results for volume dete rmination with mathematical calculation were obtained with a formula d escribing a spheroid volume using half the mean of width, height and l ength as radius. Conclusion: Although planimetric volumetry remains th e most accurate method for prostate volume determination, the spheroid formula is the best alternative method for quick volume assessment wi th reasonable accuracy.