Effect of Older Age on Postoperative Urinary Retention After Prolapse Surgery

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is common after reconstructive pelvic surgery. Little is known about the relationship between older age (≥70 years) and POUR after pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between age ≥70 years and POUR. Secondarily, we aimed to determine if duration of urinary catheterization differed by age in women with POUR.

This was a secondary analysis of a dual-center retrospective study on perioperative adverse events in biologic females aged ≥61 years undergoing prolapse surgery. The primary outcome was POUR, defined as a failed retrograde voiding trial requiring bladder catheterization. The secondary outcome was duration of temporary bladder catheterization. We developed a stepwise multivariable logistic regression model, which included relevant variables with P < 0.10 on univariate analyses and a forced age variable.

In this cohort of 2,665 women, mean ± standard deviation age was 71.2 ± 6.7 years, and 54.6% were ≥70 years, POUR occurred in 830 (31.1%) patients. Women with POUR had a lower body mass index and were more likely to have undergone a vaginal prolapse surgery and concomitant hysterectomy/incontinence procedure ( P < 0.05). They had higher estimated blood loss (75 vs 50 mL, P < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression, age ≥70 years was not associated with POUR (adjusted odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI [0.83-1.26]). Age ≥70 years was associated with longer duration of catheterization (5 vs 4 days, P < 0.01).

Age was not associated with POUR when controlling for other clinical factors (body mass index, surgical approach, concomitant hysterectomy/incontinence surgery, and estimated blood loss). These factors may affect POUR in older women and should be considered in perioperative management.