Post-operative urinary retention in women: management by intermittent catheterization

We have investigated the value of intermittent catheterization in the management of post-operative urinary retention occurring in elderly women after operative fixation of lower limb fracture. Eleven patients, aged 70-86, underwent intermittent catheterization two or three times daily for between 9 and 40 days as inpatients, and one patient continued intermittent self-catheterization at home for 3 months after discharge. Ten patients became continent. One severely disabled lady required an indwelling catheter. Intermittent catheterization is safe and practical, with several advantages over indwelling catheterization in the management of post-operative urinary retention during inpatient rehabilitation.