[Peridural anesthesia in obstetrics: impact on the lower urinary tract]

The results of non-invasive urodynamic examinations (urinary flow rates and ultrasound determination of residual urine in the bladder) and of urinary bacteriology were studied 4 or 5 days after delivery in 305 patients. The method of delivery and other clinical and obstetric parameters that could influence lower urinary tract function have been considered. The numbers of urines that contain bacteria in quantities of more than 10(5)/ml are significantly raised as compared with the control group after spontaneous delivery under continuous epidural analgesia (15% as compared with 4.5% - p less than 0.01). Continuous epidural anaesthesia increases the risk of urinary tract infection and is significantly associated with a prolongation of labour as well as an frequency of catheterisations as well as episodes of urinary retention. This compromises the likelihood of starting normal micturition after delivery.