OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes and its clinical significance of ultrasound evaluated bladder wall weight (UEBW) pre and after surgery in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSThe clinical data of 63 patients of benign prostatic hyperplasia and 30 of contrast control were studied. The bladder wall weight was calculated by subtracting the volume of sphere represented by the urine volume inside the bladder from the volume of the sphere representing the whole bladder (sphere with a radius = internal radius + bladder wall thickness). Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and bladder function was evaluated by urodynamic studies. Of the 63 patients with BPH, UEBW was (97 +/- 54) g, while the control group was only (41 +/- 14) g. UEBW was found to be significantly correlated with LinPURR grade (R = 0.47, P < 0.01) and positive residual urine volume (R = 0.48, P < 0.01), and it was negatively correlated with Qmax (R = -0.52, P < 0.01) and detrusor contraction strength (presented as WF, R = -0.4, P < 0.05).

RESULTSA significant difference was found between the UEBW pre and after surgery [(99 +/- 50) g vs. (56 +/- 21) g, t = 5.05, P < 0.01)]. UEBW decreased 43.68%, and IPSS score decreased 16.81 point, while Qmax increased 8.38 ml/s.

CONCLUSIONAs an non-invasive methods, measurement of bladder wall weight appears to be a useful marker in evaluating status before operation and in monitoring the effect of surgery for patients with BPH.