Incidence and Aetiology of Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Mangalore, Karnataka

Background and objective: Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is a blockage at the base of the bladder. BOO is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men and women. The condition is common in older men. Due to increased life expectancy there is an increased incidence of BOO. Thereby, we carried out a study to know the incidence of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients above 18 years attended in our institution along with the causative factors in them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 100 adults. Ultrasound scan was the initial modality to diagnose BOO. X-ray KUB was used for bladder stones. Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic biopsy were done in cases of suspected carcinoma prostate. Cystoscopy was done in cases of suspected bladder cancer and bladder neck stenosis. Biopsy was taken in cases of bladder cancer. Results: Out of total of 100 cases in the age range 18–80 years, 53% had benign prostatic enlargement, 8% had carcinoma prostate, 14% had urethral tear, 7% had bladder cancer, 12% vesical calculus, 6% with bladder neck stenosis. In all, 94% cases were males and 6% females. Only the cases of bladder neck stenosis were females. Conclusion: This study highlights that BOO, a potentially curable illness commonly found in older men, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) being the common cause. The key to successful treatment is in early diagnosis and treatment.