Formula-derived prostate volume determination.

OBJECTIVES

Despite disadvantages such as time-consuming and tedious to the user, planimetric volumetry is considered to be the most accurate method for prostate volume determination. This study investigates the possibilities of formula-derived volume determination and reveals the best alternative to planimetric volumetry.

METHODS

The prostate volume is calculated using prostatic dimensions (length, height and width) in four mathematical descriptions for prostate volume calculations. As reference, the planimetric results obtained with 4 mm step size were used.

RESULTS

Compared to the results of planimetric volumetry obtained with 4-mm intersection distance, the best results for volume determination with mathematical calculation were obtained with a formula describing a spheroid volume using half the mean of width, height and length as radius.

CONCLUSION

Although planimetric volumetry remains the most accurate method for prostate volume determination, the spheroid formula is the best alternative method for quick volume assessment with reasonable accuracy.