Objectives. To investigate by urodynamic study position-related changes in uroflowmetry and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) in men because altered bladder function in the supine position may be a predisposing factor for urinary tract infections in the institutionalized elderly.

Methods. Two healthy men, 34 and 59 years of age and living at home, and 53 nursing home residents (mean age 71.8 years, range 46 to 92) were evaluated with uroflowmetry in the standing and recumbent positions (lying on the left or right side); corresponding PVRs were measured by transabdominal ultrasonic bladder scanning. The two healthy men were monitored longitudinally with multiple recordings in both voiding positions, and the nursing home residents were subjected to two observations: one measurement of the variable parameters in either position. Differences were considered to be significant at P < 0.05.

Results. The 34-year-old man performed 513 flows (368 standing and 145 recumbent). The mean of all the peak flow rates in the upright (28.2 ± 4.2 mL/s) versus the recumbent (16.8 ± 4.1 mL/s) position revealed a highly significant difference (P = 0.0001). Sixteen urinary flows and corresponding PVRs were completed by this subject in either voiding position. The difference between PVRs in the standing (13.1 ± 14.7 mL) versus recumbent (15.3 ± 17.5 mL) position was not statistically significant. The 59-year-old man completed 156 flows (128 standing and 28 recumbent). A highly significant difference was noted between the mean of all peak flows in the upright (18.9 ± 4.1 mL/s) versus recumbent (12.6 ± 2.0 mL/s) position (P = 0.0001). Thirty-seven urinary flows and corresponding PVRs were completed by this individual (10 PVRs were determined after voiding in the standing and 27 after voiding in the recumbent position). No significant difference was noted between PVRs in the standing (24.6 ± 34.4 mL) versus recumbent (16.5 ± 60.0 mL) position. In the nursing home residents, the difference between the mean peak flow rates in the standing (14.5 ± 8.6 mL/s) versus recumbent (12.4 ± 6.7 mL/s) position also reached statistical significance (P = 0.0084). The difference between PVRs in the standing (60.5 ± 125.6 mL) versus recumbent (84.8 ± 186.2 mL) position barely reached statistical significance (P = 0.0497).

Conclusions. The urinary flow rate decreases in the recumbent position. Bedridden residents may be predisposed to urinary tract infections because of alterations in voiding dynamics in the supine position. This area needs further study.