Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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The words ‘Lower urinary tract symptoms’ (or LUTS) to describe the problems they believe are related to the working of the bladder (which holds urine) and the urethra (the tube from the bladder to outside) through which urine passes when we urinate.
Symptoms
May include:
• Frequency
• Nocturia (passing urine at night time)
• Urgency
• Incontinence
• Decreased stream
• Hesitancy
• Intermittency
• Feeling of incomplete emptying
• Dribbling
LUTS can be divided into two groups according to the symptoms experienced. Those that occur during the filling of the bladder are known as storage symptoms; and those that describe the way the urine is passed are known as voiding symptoms.
Causes of LUTS
There are many causes of these symptoms and we will investigate to find out the cause in your case.
- Prostatic enlargement secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major cause of LUTS, as a result of obstruction at the exit of the bladder.
- Other urological conditions such as a tight or enlarged bladder neck, an overactive bladder, or a narrowing in the urethra known as a stricture may cause similar symptoms.
- Not all LUTS are caused by a urological condition and other possibilities could involve heart, kidney or nervous system abnormalities.
What can we do?
- Establish a diagnosis and provide information about your symptoms and the treatment options available.
- Assist you in making an informed choice regarding the management of your symptoms with your doctor or nurse specialist.
Assessment and Investigation
The assessment may consist of several tests, including:
- A blood test to assess how well the kidneys are working and a PSA blood test (Prostate Specific Antigen). Please book a blood test 5 days prior to your appointment at Wexham Park, King Edward VII, Heatherwood or St Mark’s Hospitals by using the online form https://
www. .fhft.nhs.uk/ services/ blood-tests/ booking-your-blood-test/ - A urine test to check for infection and blood. Please bring your early morning sample in the bottle provided.
- Rectal Ultrasound Scan of prostate to measure the size of your prostate
- A flow measurement (to check the flow of your urine). It is important for you to have a comfortable full bladder. It is suggested you drink 1-2 pints of water about an hour prior to appointment. Please do not drink more than this amount. If you find you cannot “hold your water”, you can drink while you are waiting. This will, hopefully, ensure you are on the premises when you feel the urge to pass water.
- A bladder scan (to check how much urine is left in your bladder post voiding).
- A digital rectal examination to feel if the prostate is enlarged and to check for any abnormalities.
- Possible Flexible Cystoscopy (See separate information leaflet provided).
- Urodynamic studies to establish how well the bladder, sphincters, and urethra hold and release urine. Urodynamic tests can explain why there might be leaks of urine or problems with urine release or flow.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Urology service.
About this information
Service:
Urology
Reference:
Z/035
Approval date:
19 May 2023
Review date:
30 June 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.