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Review
. 2024 Apr-Jun;18(2):265-271.
doi: 10.4103/sja.sja_88_24. Epub 2024 Mar 14.

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR): A narrative review

Chiara Cambise  1 , Roberto De Cicco  1 , Ersilia Luca  1 , Giovanni Punzo  1 , Valeria Di Franco  1 , Alessandra Dottarelli  1 , Teresa Sacco  1 , Liliana Sollazzi  1   2 , Paola Aceto  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR): A narrative review

Chiara Cambise et al. Saudi J Anaesth. 2024 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is defined as the inability to void in the presence of a full bladder after surgery. Complications include delirium, pain, prolonged hospitalization, and long-term altered bladder contractility. Comorbidities, type of surgery and anesthesia influence the development of POUR. The incidence varies between 5% and 70%. History and clinical examination, the need for bladder catheterization and ultrasonographic evaluation are three methods used to diagnose POUR. The prevention of POUR currently involves identifying patients with pre-operative risk factors and then modifying them where possible. Bladder catheterization is the standard treatment of POUR, however, further studies are necessary to establish patients who need a bladder catheter, bladder volume thresholds and duration of catheterization.

Keywords: Postoperative complications; sugammadex; urinary retention.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

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