Bladder contractility and urethral resistance relation: what does a pressure flow study tell us?

Hydrodynamic analysis of a pressure flow study is the only reliable method to determine the presence or absence of a bladder outlet obstruction, especially benign prostatic obstruction. To interpret the results of pressure flow study in benign prostatic obstruction, understanding the outlines of the basic theory about evaluation of the relationship between bladder contractility and urethral resistance relation is of paramount importance. In contrast, hydrodynamic analysis of pressure flow study in conditions other than benign prostatic obstruction is complicated by the limits of theories about the hydrodynamics of the lower urinary tract. In this review, the proposed hydrodynamic theories about the relationship between bladder contractility and urethral resistance relation are outlined. Then, problems encountered in the application of hydrodynamic analysis of pressure flow study to diseases other than benign prostatic obstruction are discussed.