Non-invasive estimation of intraurethral pressure profile from uroflowmetric curve.

Background:  An intraurethral pressure-time profile as urodynamic information was obtained in a non-invasive manner using an equivalent equation as a voiding model. Methods:  The reasonability of the voiding model was confirmed by applying it to an experimental flow curve likened to urinary flow. The flow curve was approximated and the pressure profile was estimated. From the uroflowmetric curves obtained in a normal subject and a patient with bladder outlet obstruction, the respective intraurethral pressure profiles were estimated. Results:  The pressure profile estimated from the approximated flow curve was found consistent with the profile of the difference between the pressure actually measured at two different portions in the experimental system. Conclusion:  Non-invasive estimation of intraurethral pressure profile from uroflowmetric curves may be very useful to grasp intraurethral urodynamic information in clinical practice.