ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENT WITH LOWER URINARY TRACT

ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENT WITH LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS History

Symptom score sheets such as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) assign a score that gives information regarding the severity of symptoms at the outset and changes over time and following intervention. The IPSS assessment should include an assessment of quality of life, which is a reflection of the degree of ‘bother’ caused by a patient’s symptoms. In addition to the IPSS, a frequency–volume diary completed by the patient before attending the clinic is invaluable in revealing fluid intake habits, diurnal variation in outputs and low-volume, frequent voiding. Summary box 84.3 Investigations of men with LUTS /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF

Essential investigations Urine analysis by dipstick for blood, leukocyte esterase, glucose and protein Urine culture for infection Serum creatinine Urinary /f_l ow rate and residual volume measurement Additional investigations PSA if indicated Pressure– /f_l ow studies