Formula-derived prostate volume determination.
OBJECTIVE
Despite disadvantages such as time-consuming and tedious to the user, planimetric volumetry is considered to be the most accurate method for prostate volume determination. This study investigates the possibilities of formula-derived volume determination and reveals the best alternative to planimetric volumetry.


METHODS
The prostate volume is calculated using prostatic dimensions (length, height and width) in four mathematical descriptions for prostate volume calculations. As reference, the planimetric results obtained with 4 mm step size were used.


RESULTS
Compared to the results of planimetric volumetry obtained with 4-mm intersection distance, the best results for volume determination with mathematical calculation were obtained with a formula describing a spheroid volume using half the mean of width, height and length as radius.


CONCLUSIONS
Although planimetric volumetry remains the most accurate method for prostate volume determination, the spheroid formula is the best alternative method for quick volume assessment with reasonable accuracy.
Aarnink
R G
RG
Department of Urology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
de la Rosette
J J
JJ
Debruyne
F M
FM
Wijkstra
H
H
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011467:Prostate / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography