The Knowledge and Use of Frequency Volume Chart Among Nigerian Urologists

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are quite common in men and increase with age.¹ In general, LUTS are divided into storage phase symptoms (frequency, urgency, urgency incontinence, and nocturia) and voiding phase symptoms (hesitancy weak stream, intermittency and feeling of incomplete emptying), however both Voiding and storage phase symptoms often coexist. Whereas storage phase symptoms are related to detrusor overactivity, increased bladder sensitivity or impaired compliance, voiding phase symptoms are caused by either outlet obstruction or impaired contractility. The aetiology of LUTS is multifactorial as this can be caused by structural or functional abnormalities of lower urinary tract as well as non-urological conditions.²

Before commencing treatment, patients with LUTS need appropriate workup.  This should include: a thorough history and physical examination, with or without simple adjunctive tests (e.g.: uroflowometry, post-void residual, and frequency volume charts). Based on this basic workup, one can then make an informed selection of initial treatment or watchful waiting.¹More invasive investigations like Urodynamics and cystoscopy or imaging are most useful in select cases when a specific reason is identified, the diagnosis is uncertain or when patients have failed simple initial treatments and seek further therapy.¹

An adjunct to history is the use of validated questionnaires which is standard recommendation from published guidelines.^3,4,5 These questionnaires are useful in quantifying symptom severity, degree of border, and can be used to monitor response to treatment.^6,7,8,9 The questionnaires include: international prostate symptoms score(IPSS), The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-MLUTS), Danish Prostate Symptom Score (DAN-PSS), Frequency volume charts and bladder diaries.^7,8,10,11

Information derived from subjective questionnaires like the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) may be inaccurate and for this reason, both the EAU and AUA clinical practice guidelines on BPH and LUTS recommend the use of FV charts in addition to the use of symptom questionnaires when assessing men with LUTS. ^12,13 The frequency volume chart (FVC) has been defined as the systematic recording of voiding habits by patients in their own environment for a specified period of time.¹⁴ FV chart varies from simple charts measuring the frequency and volume of each void in a day to urinary diaries which Include additional information such as fluid intake, use of pads, activities during recording, total voided volume and the fraction of urine production during the night.¹⁵ Most commonly, the chart is filled for a period of 1-3 days as evidence have shown that filling the chart for longer periods does not give additional information.¹⁶ 

Frequency volume chart has several advantages; it is simple, easy to use and serves to extract objective information that would otherwise be difficult to obtain from history.¹³ Despite these benefits, FVC is not used in the urology unit of my hospital. The aim of this study therefore, is to evaluate the knowledge and use of frequency volume chart among Urology specialists practicing in Nigeria and also to draw the attention of Nigerian urologists to role of this chart in the management of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Cite this article as: C. Odo, T.U. Mbaeri, E.A. Obiesie, A.O. Ulebe, J.A. Abiahu, Nzeako C.H, C.K. Oranusi, A.M.E. Nwofor. The Knowledge and Use of Frequency Volume Chart Among Nigerian Urologists.

Afrimedic Journal 2024; 10(2): 1-5.