SUGGESTED WORKUPS

LUTS WORKUP

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are very common. It is important to distinguish between storage related LUTS (ie: overactive bladder) and voiding related LUTS (ie: outlet obstruction).  

The following baseline investigations are recommended:

•        Renal tract US (including post void residual (+ prostate size in men))

•        Urine MCS

•        Urine cytology

•        PSA (in men)

•        Creatinine/eGFR

If a patient has storage related symptoms (frequency, urgency) a trial of anticholinergic is reasonable. If a male patient has voiding related symptoms (weak stream, straining to void, dribbling, hesitancy, incomplete emptying) a trial of alpha-blocker such as tamsulosin (flomaxtra) prior to their appointment would be reasonable providing there are no contraindications (eg upcoming cataract surgery, postural hypotension).

A patient requires urgent management/treatment if they have a high post void residual in the setting of renal impairment or hydronephrosis.