“PVR Test?”
I am a 73 year old male in very good shape, (Runner) and had a Bi-Polar TURP 12 weeks ago and am doing pretty well, in 4 weeks I have a post-void residual test and am very nervous about it, I had one 3 weeks post-surgery and did well, I had a TURP due to urine retention, my question is; how should I prepare for the morning test? Meaning, should I go to the test with a full bladder or half bladder and should I drink fluids as usual before the test, I really want to do well and perhaps they will discharge me.
Male | 73 years old
Medications: finasteride, flomax
9 Answers
A PVR test ( post void residual) is simply a bladder scan to check if you are emptying your bladder. You should come to the office with a full bladder so you can void prior to the test. The test is not painful and you should not be anxious about it if you are voiding well
Generally, I feel you do well after TURP. The PVR test is not a serious test, it is only to show how much urine remains after you urinate.
Congratulate you for recuperating well after TURP thus far. As to post-void residual urine check at office, you are advised to adjust and simulate bladder fullness just like you would usually urinate, but make sure your urologic service can accommodate your timing without a long wait resulting in an overdistended bladder, which can make PVR artificially high for misclaiming a decompensated bladder. So, don't get nervous but it would be helpful to check the office staff for right preparation fitting the way your doctor practice. Here comes my best wish for health and happiness. Sincerely, CTL
If the first post void after surgery went well, then the second one should be good also. Prepare by attending the clinic with a 'mostly' full bladder and arriving a little early. You can then finish filling your bladder with less pressure.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Don't do anything different if it's just a post-void residual. They will ask you to urinate and then measure how much is left with an ultrasound. If you over drink, sometimes your bladder will be stretched out and it won't be accurate.
You should not fret over this. Go to the office well hydrated and wait for the nurse to come see you. Tell her you have not gone to the bathroom and then go to the bathroom and she will then immediately check and ultrasound on you to confirm you’re emptying your bladder. It’s a very easy test.
Dr. Niko Lailas
Dr. Niko Lailas
Do not change your routine and go to the office with a moderately full bladder. You want to make sure that they get an accurate reading that mimics your daily PVR volume. No need to do anything special. After a TURP, they should be able to discontinue your flomax and finasteride.
Normal fluid intake before measuring PVR. Measure volume before voiding and after.
Discuss with your doctor, but after a turp, you should be able to stop both your flomax and proscar. As for post-void residual, unless yours was very high before the surgery, and you were in near retention, there is not much to be concerned about. Regardless, there is nothing to prepare for it. Drink a normal amount of water. When you arrive at your doctor's office, he will ask you to do your best to empty your bladder and will check your residual.
