Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate whether capsular artery resistive index measured by transrectal power Doppler ultrasonography (US) can be used as a dynamic parameter to determine the severity of benign prostate hyperplasia and the efficiency of the treatment.

Material and methods: Fifty patients aged between 40 and 80 years who applied for lower urinary track symptoms or follow-up were included in the study. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were evaluated. Prostate volume and capsular artery resistive index were measured with transrectal power Doppler US. Alfuzosin XL 10 mg was given to 34 patients with lower urinary track symptoms for a month. IPSS, uroflowmetry and capsular artery resistive index values were reevaluated at the end of one month.

Results: The mean resistive index value was 0.69±0.07. There was no relationship between resistive index and age (r=0.23, p>0.05). There were significant relationships between resistive index and IPSS, PSA or prostate volume (r=0.57, p<0.05; r=0.35, p<0.05; and r=0.32, p<0.05, respectively). Significant relationships of resistive index with maximum and mean urinary flow rate (r=-0.51, p<0.05 and r=-0.49, p<0.05) were also noted. The mean resistive index value of 34 patients treated for lower urinary track symptoms was 0.72±0.06 before medication and decreased significantly to 0.66±0.04 after the treatment (p<0.05). Decrease in IPSS and increase in uroflow rates were also noted after treatment.

Conclusion: Capsular artery resistive index can be used as a dynamic parameter in the estimation of the severity of benign prostate hyperplasia and efficiency of the treatment.