Bladder function following rectal resections

Fifteen patients with urinary retention following rectal resection were examined urodynamically, including cystometry and simultaneous measurement of flow and pressure in the bladder and in the abdomen. Five patients suffered from bladder neck obstruction. This was in most cases put down to a preexisting prostatic enlargement. In 4 patients it was impossible to detect any function of the bladder muscle. Detrusor insufficiency was the cause of retention in the remaining 6 patients.