Urinary retention.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nephrology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Urinary retention, the inability to void, is a prevalent medical issue.
• Untreated urinary retention can lead to severe consequences, including kidney damage and life-threatening urosepsis.
• Acute urinary retention (AUR) presents with hypogastric pain and anuria, while chronic urinary retention (CUR) is often asymptomatic and harder to detect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the primary causes of acute and chronic urinary retention in both men and women.
• To highlight key diagnostic strategies for urinary retention.
• To discuss various management approaches for urinary retention based on its underlying cause.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on urinary retention.
• Analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic causes of lower urinary tract obstruction and non-obstructive conditions.
• Categorization of diagnostic and management strategies by patient sex.

Main Results:

• Identified common causes of AUR and CUR in men and women.
• Emphasized the importance of bladder drainage (urethral or suprapubic catheter) as a primary treatment for AUR.
• Highlighted the diagnostic challenge of CUR due to its often asymptomatic nature and association with increased post-void residual urine (PVR).

Conclusions:

• Urinary retention requires prompt identification and management to prevent morbidity and mortality.
• Diagnosis and treatment of urinary retention necessitate a tailored approach considering the specific cause and patient demographics.
• Effective management strategies for urinary retention encompass conservative measures, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions.