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Post-operative urinary retention in a general surgical population
Bjørn Dreijer1, Morten H Møller, Jens Bartholdy
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark. bjdr@heh.regionh.dk
European Journal of Anaesthesiology
|January 6, 2011
Summary
Post-operative urinary retention affects about 5% of general surgery patients. Diabetes and intraoperative atropine administration are key risk factors for developing this complication.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Surgical Complications
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Post-operative urinary retention (POUR) is a common and significant complication following surgery.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for prevention and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of post-operative urinary retention in a general surgical patient cohort.
- To identify perioperative risk factors associated with the development of POUR.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study included 334 adult surgical patients operated without a urethral catheter.
- Bladder scans were performed on arrival to the recovery ward, for symptomatic patients, and before ward referral.
- POUR was defined as bladder volume >600 ml with insufficient voiding within 30 minutes.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of post-operative urinary retention was 4.8%.
- Independent risk factors identified include diabetes mellitus (OR, 5.9) and intraoperative atropine administration (OR, 5.9).
Conclusions:
- Approximately 5% of general surgical patients in this study experienced post-operative urinary retention.
- Diabetes mellitus and the use of atropine during surgery are significant predisposing factors for POUR.
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