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Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports
Published in: Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports 2/2017

01-06-2017 | BPH-Related Voiding Dysfunction (R Lee, Section Editor)

Accurate Estimation of Prostate Size in the Evaluation of Nocturia

Authors: Benjamin V. Stone, Jonathan Shoag, Christopher E. Barbieri, Jim C. Hu, Richard K. Lee

Published in: Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The clinical utility of the digital rectal exam (DRE) in the workup of lower urinary tract symptoms has been questioned in the literature. This review aims to critically examine the recent literature regarding the accuracy and reliability of the DRE in the assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Here, we specifically focus on the clinical importance of the DRE in the evaluation of nocturia.

Recent Findings

Estimates of prostate size on DRE have high interexaminer variability and poor correlations with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) volume. Prostate size estimates correlate poorly with LUTS and nocturia, while cardiovascular comorbidities are strongly associated with nocturia.

Summary

The DRE is a highly variable and inaccurate method of predicting prostate size, with limited ability to assess LUTS. Nocturia is a multifactorial condition that is often associated with medical comorbidities, and estimates of prostate size are highly unlikely to have clinical utility in the workup of this condition.
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Metadata
Title
Accurate Estimation of Prostate Size in the Evaluation of Nocturia
Authors
Benjamin V. Stone
Jonathan Shoag
Christopher E. Barbieri
Jim C. Hu
Richard K. Lee
Publication date
01-06-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1931-7212
Electronic ISSN: 1931-7220
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-017-0420-9

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