post-void residual (PVR) volume

Introduction

The amount of fluid remaining in the bladder immediately following the completion of urination.

Reference interval

• normal post-void residual (PVR) volume is < 50-100 mL

* no clear definition of what constitutes significant increase in PVR

Clinical significance

• there is no clear definition of a significant PVR
  • an asymptomatic man with no radiologic evidence of obstruction (hydronephrosis or bladder stones) does not need intervention
• PVR > 200 mL is clearly abnormal Increased PVR volume is associated with:
• urinary obstruction
  • overflow incontinence
  • benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
• impaired bladder contractility (neurogenic bladder)

Procedure

• estimation of PVR volume can be made by abdominal palpation & percussion or bimanual examination
• specific measurement of PVR can be accomplished by
  • catheterization
  • pelvic ultrasound
  • radiography
  • radioisotope studies

Management

• PVR <= 200 mL can be monitored without intermittent catheterization or an indwelling urinary catheter
• PVR > 200 mL requires catheterization & evaluation for underlying cause(s)
• no clear definition of what constitutes significant in PVR
  • an asymptomatic man with no radiologic findings of significant obstruction can be managed expectantly
• urinalysis & urine culture not indicated in the absence of indicators of urinary tract infection

More general terms

• urology

Additional terms

• benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• overflow incontinence