Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are storage, voiding and post-micturition symptoms affecting the lower urinary tract. LUTS can significantly reduce men's quality of life and may point to serious pathology of the urogenital tract. LUTS are common and not necessarily a reason for suspecting prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Aims & Objective: This study is aimed to clarify the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their association with various etiopathologies.
Materials and Methods: In this study total 600 men above the age of 40 years attending the surgical outpatient department in LG hospital, Maninagar, Ahmedabad (AMC MET Medical College) were suggested to detail history taking including IPSS questionnaire for evaluating LUTS. Abdominal examination, Rectal examination, Nervous system examination were done and Patient were investigated by Ultrasound scanning (Abdominal & Transrectal), Blood tests and urine tests. In selected cases, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), flow rate measurement, uroflowmetry and cystourethroscopy were done.
Results: Of the 600 men, 222 had specific diseases (37%) responsible for occurrence of LUTS (BPH 45%, stricture urethra 40%, Neurogenic 7.5%, Miscellaneous 7.5%). About 15% of total subjects (90/600) had BPH. Among 400 men who had some degree of LUTS no specific disease was found responsible for these symptoms. Nocturia remained important symptom of LUTS in Bladder outflow obstruction.
Conclusion: The study indicated that LUTS are not only because of BPH, but there are many other urological and non-urological factors in the etiology & pathogenesis of LUTS. Nocturia remains important symptom in IPSS. Patient with LUTS need well planned assessment of disease, clear cut understanding of the relevant pathophysiology and proper approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Key words: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), International Prostatic Symptom Score(IPSS), Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Bladder outflow obstruction (BOO).
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