Female voiding dysfunction: Survey of practice patterns amongst Indian urologists

Abstract

Introduction:: We report the findings of a survey conducted to ascertain practice patterns of members of the Urological Society of India (USI) with regard to diagnosis and management of female voiding dysfunction (FVD). Methods:: A19-question survey was conducted on the SurveyMonkey® platform from December 17, 2019 to January 9, 2020. Questions included demographic details of respondents and policies regarding evaluation and treatment of FVD. Results:: 1278 of the 2649 qualified urologists of USI responded (48.2%). 1090 valid responses were included in the final analysis. While the majority of the respondents opted to check post void residual urine and 2/3rd ordered uroflowmetry in patients presenting with history of poor flow and/or incomplete emptying of urine, 38.6% and 45.7% of the respondents did not consider invasive urodynamics and cystoscopy, respectively, to be appropriate investigations in these patients. 29.6% were comfortable in dilating the urethra of female patients based on obstructive symptoms alone. 60% of respondents had performed at least one of the specialized surgical procedures for FVD. Conclusion:: Most Indian urologists treat FVD with 60% having at least some experience with surgical interventions. However, this survey revealed considerable heterogeneity and identified critical lacunae in the practice of FVD by Indian urologists. Inappropriate evaluation and management practices are surprisingly common. Findings of this survey could be useful in designing appropriate training programs for practitioners.

Keywords

• Female voiding dysfunction
• Practice patterns
• Urethral dilation
• Survey
• India
• Post-void residual urine