Feeling of incomplete emptying with little post-void residual in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: Clinical implications and treatment outcomes.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the clinical features and implications of a feeling of incomplete emptying despite little post-void residual (PVR), because it remains unclear why patients are bothered by such an undefined feeling. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively from 173 consecutive patients (135 men, 38 women) with a complaint of a feeling of incomplete emptying with PVR <50 mL at an initial visit. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), prostate volume, and PVR were determined. Subjective symptoms were re-evaluated after 8 weeks of medication for co-occurring urinary symptoms. RESULTS: Most patients presented with high scores for a feeling of incomplete emptying, determined by Item 1 on the IPSS. The score for a feeling of incomplete emptying was positively correlated with all IPSS-related scores. Men with a feeling of incomplete emptying more often had co-occurring voiding symptoms with higher scores than women. Significant symptom relief was achieved for a feeling of incomplete emptying as well as voiding and storage symptoms after treatment. In men, there was a positive correlation between the extent of symptom relief of a feeling of incomplete emptying and voiding symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A feeling of incomplete emptying with little PVR is frequently observed in routine clinical practice in both men and women, along with voiding and storage symptoms. This feeling was simultaneously improved by medications for co-occurring urinary symptoms.