EVALUATING OBSTRUCTIVE LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS USING UROFLOWMETRY IN PATIENTS WITH INGUINAL HERNIA

Abstract

Introduction: Inguinal hernia is a frequent surgical problem and occasionally may be associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction, especially when the anatomical displacement has an impact on normal bladder emptying. Uroflowmetry is a simple and non-invasive test that objectively measures urinary flow and can detect obstructive abnormalities. Objective: To assess the prevalence of obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in inguinal hernia patients with uroflowmetry. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Urology Department of PIMS, Islamabad, from 15 January, 2026 to 15 June, 2026. The number of patients was 129 male patients aged 18-60 years, recruited by non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients were excluded if they had complicated or recurrent hernias, neurogenic bladder, previous prostate or urethral surgery, catheterization, urethral stricture, urinary trauma, current alpha blocker or 5 alpha reductase inhibitor, or history of urinary tract infection. All participants were clinically assessed and underwent uroflowmetry for assessment of urinary flow characteristics. Results: The 129 respondents were divided into 18 (14.0%) who had obstructive findings and 111 (86.0%) who had no evidence of obstruction on uroflowmetry. Participants with obstructive findings had reduced maximum and average flow rate and extended voiding time. Conclusion: Inguinal hernia patients had a clinically relevant proportion of patients with obstructive urinary flow abnormalities. Uroflowmetry might be a useful non-invasive measurement to identify urinary dysfunction in these patients.