Near-infrared spectroscopy helps ID men classified as obstructed

An algorithm based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is able to correctly identify more than 85% of men classified as obstructed using catheter urodynamics, according to study findings published in the Canadian Journal of Urology (2008; 1515:4241-8).

In the study, 70 male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms underwent uroflow and urodynamic pressure flow studies with simultaneous transcutaneous monitoring with NIRS (Urodynamix Technologies Ltd., Vancouver, BC) and measurement of post-void residual volume via ultrasound. The NIRS algorithm correctly identified those diagnosed as obstructed by conventional urodynamic classification in 24 of 28 subjects (sensitivity, 85.71%) and those diagnosed as unobstructed in 24 of 27 subjects (specificity, 88.89%), reported co-authors Andrew J. Macnab, MD, and Lynn Stothers, MD, of The University of British Columbia.

In a related article in the same issue of the journal, Drs. Macnab and Stothers reported on the feasibility of urologic monitoring with NIRS instrumentation and the potential diagnostic value of the technology (Can J Urol 2008; 15:4233-40).

In an accompanying editorial, Canadian Journal of Urology Editor-in-Chief Gabriel P. Haas, MD, called NIRS “a new modality waiting for widespread utilization.”

Drs. Macnab and Stothers are on the medical advisory board of Urodynamix Technologies.