[A reliability analysis of transrectal echographic estimation of prostatic volume].

OBJECTIVE

To establish the reliability of transrectal ultrasound to estimate prostatic volume.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Study of 27 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer who were managed with radical prostatectomy. Transrectal ultrasound assessment of prostatic volume was performed using the revolution ellipsoid equation V = (pi/6) x L x T x AP. The values obtained were compared to those from radical prostatectomy specimens calculated by the same method and with the weights of the specimens.

RESULTS

Mean prostatic volume estimated through transrectal ultrasound was 38.77 cc vs. 38.46 cc in the pathoanatomical specimens. Mean difference between both was 0.31 cc (not significant). The coefficient of correlation that related both values was 0.80 and the coefficient of correlation between transrectal ultrasound volume and weight was 0.86.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostatic transrectal ultrasound is an accurate tool to calculate total prostatic volume.