title: The penile cuff test: A clinically useful non-invasive urodynamic investigation to diagnose men with lower urinary tract symptoms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To summarize the development of a novel non-invasive test to categorize voiding dysfunction in men complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) - the penile cuff test.
  
  
  METHODS
  The test involves the controlled inflation of a penile cuff during micturition to interrupt voiding and hence estimate isovolumetric bladder pressure (p(ves.isv)). The validity, reliability, and clinical usefulness of the test were determined in a number of studies in men with LUTS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The penile cuff test can be successfully performed in over 90% of men with LUTS. The reading of cuff pressure at flow interruption (p(cuff.int)) gives a valid and reliable estimate of invasively-measured p(ves.isv) and when combined with the reading for maximum flow rate obtained during the test (Q(max)) produces an accurate categorization of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Use of this categorization prior to treatment allows improved prediction of outcome from prostatectomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The penile cuff test fulfils the criteria as a useful clinical measurement technique applicable to the diagnosis and treatment planning of men with LUTS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Harding
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Robson
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Drinnan
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McIntosh
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sajeel
authors.forename: Clive
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giffiths
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pickard