Postoperative urinary retention (POUR): A narrative review
Chiara Cambise, Roberto De Cicco, Ersilia Luca, Giovanni Punzo, Valeria Di Franco, Alessandra Dottarelli, T. Sacco, Liliana Sollazzi, Paola Aceto
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.