Measurement of bladder volume following cesarean section using bladderscan

Urinary dysfunction is common following delivery, especially after cesarean section. A large number of women may undergo catheterization to ascertain whether they are in retention, as ultrasound is not always available. The bladder volume in 50 women was estimated using a Bladderscan and compared to that measured by urethral catheterization. A close correlation was found (r = 0.807: P = 0.610). These results have resulted in the Bladderscan being used as an alternative to intermittent catheterization as a test of bladder overdistension following cesarean section in our unit.