A group of 26 patients was tested for isovolumetric pressure and optim
al flow rate by means of the cuff-uroflow (CUF) technique. The same pa
tients were also examined in the clinic, and a diagnosis was recorded.
The two processes were performed independently in a statistically dou
ble-blind manner. Standard statistical comparisons were made, and it w
as shown that there exists substantial correlation between the results
of clinical examination and the cuff-uroflow procedure. It was also s
hown that the CUF technique converged more rapidly to a correct diagno
sis than standard clinical procedures. Surgical treatment and watchful
waiting were examined and it was shown, as expected, that surgical tr
eatment resulted in substantial improvement in most cases, but that wa
tchful waiting generated no statistically significant change. (C) 1997
Wiley-Liss, Inc.