Obstructive voiding symptoms are not predictive of elevated postvoid residual urine volumes

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between measured postvoid residual urine volumes (PVR) and self-reported bother from obstructive voiding symptoms (OS) using a retrospective chart review of patients presenting to our clinic from 2004 to 2005. Demographic, primary clinical diagnoses, PVR, and responses to the short form of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) were recorded. We considered a PVR > 150 ml to be elevated or consistent with urinary retention. We used Spearman’s for correlations and Mann–Whitney test for independent groups. Six hundred thirty-six patients were included in the study. Individual PFDI-20 items, which inquire about obstructive voiding symptoms, had poor sensitivity (13–57%) and specificity (18–38%) for elevated PVR. Using logistic regression, age (β = 0.04, p < 0.001) and stage ≥III prolapse (β = 0.78, p < 0.05) were predictive factors for elevated PVR. Obstructive voiding symptoms have poor sensitivity and specificity for elevated PVR in women with pelvic floor disorders.