THE ROLE OF THE PLAIN X-RAY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF PROSTATIC SYMPTOMS

Objective To assess the contribution of a plain X-ray of the kidney, u reters and bladder (KUB) to the assessment of patients presenting with symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction. Patients and methods All pati ents presenting to the 'Prostate' clinic at Weston General Hospital du ring the 12 months from 1 May 1993 to 30 April 1994 were assessed clin ically by a history, examination and routine investigations that inclu ded a KUB examined and reported by a radiologist, Patients were follow ed and treatment instituted as deemed appropriate. The contribution ma de to the management of the patient by the KUB was assessed. Results O f the 292 patients, 234 had no relevant abnormality detected; four pat ients had evidence of a bladder calculus, whilst in four osteoscleroti c areas were noted on the pelvis and lumbar spine. Of the remainder, 1 4 (5%) had upper urinary tract calcification. In no patients did the K UB influence their immediate management. Those with asymptomatic upper tract stones were offered a yearly follow-up. Conclusions The routine use of the KUB as a means of investigating lower urinary tract sympto ms in the male may no longer be necessary.