Urinary Retention
last authored: Jan 2010, David LaPierre
last reviewed:
Introduction
Acute urinary retention can be an extremely uncomfortable condition. It is most often caused by urethral obstruction, nerve damage, or bladder distention.
The Case of...
a simple case introducing clincial presentation and calling for a differential diagnosis to get students thinking.
Causes and Risk Factors
Factors that predispose for acute urinary retention include:
- alcohol
- sedatives
- antipsychotics
- anticholinergics
- antihistamines
- analgesics
- prolonged delay in urination
- prolonged inactivity
- exposure to cold
- spinal cord/nerve damage
- complications of surgery and anesthesia
- benign prostatic hyperplasia
- kidney stones
- urinary tract infection
Pathophysiology
Signs and Symptoms
- history
- physical exam
History
Physical Exam
Investigations
- lab investigations
- diagnostic imaging
Lab Investigations
Diagnostic Imaging
Differential Diagnosis
Treatments
Immediate management is catheterization for a variable time.
Some men may be able to void spontaneously thereafter, though this is more likely if catheter is left in place for a week and if an alpha-adrenergic blockers is given (Emberton and Anson, 1999).
Consequences and Course
Additional Resources
any good free online resources for further reading.
Topic Development
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