Ultrasonic assessment of residual urine volume.

A new method to assess residual urine volume using ultrasound has been developed. By measuring the areas of the bladder in both longitudinal and transverse directions the amount of residual urine volume can be estimated with a degree of accuracy comparable to the catheterisation method. A nomogram containing relevant urine volume determinations has been computed by applying the statistical method of multiple regression analysis in more than 200 cases studied. We find this nomogram to be easy to work with, and due to the advantages of ultrasonic assessment (e.g., there is no risk of infection, it is atraumatic, and it is quick), this approach may be recommended as a suitable method for routine practice in lieu of the catheterisation method.