3-2-1: Untangling Male LUTS

I. Symptoms overlap and confuse
Urgency, frequency, dribble, and weak stream often arrive together. Chasing symptoms alone leads to dead ends.

II. Function tells the truth
Check four things first: fluid balance, storage capacity, voiding efficiency, continence control. Plan care from these, not from complaints.

III. Residual volume sets the threshold
Post-void residual under 100 ml is usually manageable. Around 300 ml or higher raises risk for stones, infections, and kidney dysfunction, which may justify surgical referral.

____________________________________________

I. William Osler: “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.”
Measure diaries and flow, then tailor to the person, not the label.

II. W. Edwards Deming: “Without data you’re just another person with an opinion.”
Numbers beat narratives when LUTS is messy.

____________________________________________

Which functional measure will you check first the next time a patient presents with complex LUTS?

With care,

Team IPC