Role of videourodynamics in the identification of causes of lower urinary tract symptoms and low uroflow in young men

INTRODUCTION: The etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is multifactorial with causes attributed either to the dysfunction of the bladder or its outlet. Although the etiologies are well studied in aged men, very limited research trials are available in young men with LUTS. Most of the time young men presenting with chronic irritative or obstructive symptoms are labeled with chronic prostatitis or prostatodynia and are treated empirically. In this study using videourodynamics, we prospectively investigated the etiologies of LUTS and low uroflow in young men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty male patients, 18–50 years of age attending the urology outpatient department at a tertiary care center from January 2021 to December 2021 with symptoms suggestive of chronic LUTS and low uroflow (maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax] <15 ml/s at a voided volume >150 ml) were included in the study and underwent multichannel videourodynamic study (VUDS). Clinical characteristics and urodynamic results in different diagnostic groups were tabulated and analyzed. The P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of 50 enrolled patients, primary bladder neck obstruction was seen in 21 patients (42%), dysfunctional voiding in 14 (28%), impaired detrusor contractility (IDC) in 9 (18%), and benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) was noted in 6 patients (12%). The mean age and size of the prostate of patients with BPO were greater than those in the remaining groups and patients with IDC had lower Qmax and Pdet at Qmax than those in the remaining patients. CONCLUSION: Chronic LUTS in young men has a variety of underlying etiologies and VUDS in this population is helpful in attaining an accurate diagnosis and thus may guide toward efficient management.