Objectives: Despite disadvantages such as time-consuming and tedious to the user, planimetric volumetry is considered to be the most accurate method for prostate volume determination. This study investigates the possibilities of formula-derived volume determination and reveals the best alternative to planimetric volumetry.
Methods: The prostate volume is calculated using prostatic dimensions (length, height and width) in four mathematical descriptions for prostate volume calculations. As reference, the planimetric results obtained with 4 mm step size were used.
Results: Compared to the results of planimetric volumetry obtained with 4-mm intersection distance, the best results for volume determination with mathematical calculation were obtained with a formula describing a spheroid volume using half the mean of width, height and length as radius.
Conclusion: Although planimetric volumetry remains the most accurate method for prostate volume determination, the spheroid formula is the best alternative method for quick volume assessment with reasonable accuracy.