Evaluation of obstructed voiding in the female: how close are we to a definition?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The difficulties of defining and evaluating bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in the female patient have been described for several years. This review aims to examine recent literature to summarize progress in the area.

RECENT FINDINGS: Within the last 2 years, functional causes of female BOO have been summarized, new nomograms proposed, several case reports of different causes of BOO have been published and work on surgical outcomes and possible diagnostics reported.

SUMMARY: Women complain of voiding dysfunction because of different reasons. For clinical decision-making, and to evaluate different surgical procedures, finding a way of detecting and quantifying infravesical obstruction is immensely helpful. This review aims to clarify questions concerning definitions of BOO in women and provide an update on recent advances.