Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Post-void residual, post-void residual volume, residual urine (volume), post-micturition residual volume, PVR
Definition
Post-void residual (PVR) is the volume of urine remaining in the bladder immediately after voluntary voiding:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}:contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}. It is a measure of bladder emptying efficiency. In practice, PVR is measured by ultrasound bladder scan or catheterization, performed as soon as possible (ideally within minutes) after the patient voids:contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}:contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}. A “normal” PVR is generally low (often <100–150 mL), whereas higher values indicate incomplete emptying. Although no single threshold is universally accepted, large residuals (often defined as >200–300 mL) suggest significant bladder dysfunction:contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}:contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}. PVR measurement helps identify urinary retention or outlet obstruction by detecting incomplete voiding that may not be apparent by symptoms alone:contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}:contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
Clinical Context
In male urology, PVR is routinely assessed when patients have lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or suspected urinary retention. It is measured in men with symptoms of incomplete emptying, overflow incontinence, or recurrent urinary tract infections. The test involves a bladder scan or catheter immediately after voiding; this quantifies any urine remaining in the bladder. PVR is particularly relevant in conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and bladder outlet obstruction, where prostate enlargement can impede flow. For example, BPH guidelines recommend measuring PVR before starting certain medications or considering surgery to ensure the bladder empties adequately:contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}:contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}. A PVR >200 mL (or sometimes >300 mL) is often viewed as abnormal, prompting further evaluation for obstruction or detrusor underactivity:contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}:contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}. In practice, PVR guides management: very high residuals may require catheterization or surgical relief of obstruction, while mildly elevated PVR might be monitored over time. Overall, PVR is a simple yet valuable outcome metric for bladder emptying in men with LUTS:contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}:contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}.