The Comparison of Prostatic Volume Estimates by Transrectal and Suprapubic Ultrsonography in a Nigerian Population

Abstract

The aim of this study is to establish prostatic volumes in normal adult Nigerians using Transrectal Ultrasonography (TRUS) and suprapubic Ultrasonography (SPUS). It will also compare the volume of significant difference in the values of the two methods. 200 men (mean age 35 years) whose age ranged between 25 and 45 years with no symptoms or history of prostatic enlargement consented to undergo TRUS and SPUS screening. Their prostate volumes were calculated using the three dimensional method. The prostatic volumes obtained by TRUS and SPUS were 20.932+1.785cm and 21.138+1.714cm respectively. Although there was difference in the values of prostatic volume by TRUS and SPUS, this was not statistically significant. There was good correlation between prostate volume and age (r=0.734). This study shows that SPUS gives a fairly good volume estimate of the prostate and can be used when volume estimate is of primary concern. Difficulties experienced in visualizing the echotexture of the cranio-caudal part of the prostate during the course of the study suggest that SPUS is limited in its ability to appreciate echotextural changes in some part of the organ.