Acute post-operative Urinary retention
Acute Post-Operative Urinary Retention
Acute post-operative urinary retention is a condition in which a person is unable to urinate after an operation. It is a common complication of operative procedures involving the pelvic area, including surgeries of the prostate, bladder, and genitals. Acute postoperative urinary retention can cause discomfort and, if not treated promptly, may lead to serious complications.
Causes of Acute Post-Operative Urinary Retention
Acute post-operative urinary retention is usually due to mechanical interference of the surrounding fluid pressure within the bladder, which can result form:
- Trauma to the bladder or urethra
- Inflammation of the bladder
- Scarring of the urethra
- Spasm of the bladder or urethra
- Nerve injuries
- Infections
- Medications, such as antispasmodics and anticholinergics
Symptoms of Acute Post-Operative Urinary Retention
The symptoms of acute post-operative urinary retention can include:
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Inability to urinate or difficulty in starting to urinate
- Weak urine stream
- Increased frequency of urination
- Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Continuous dribbling of urine
- Blood in the urine
Treatment of Acute Post-Operative Urinary Retention
Acute post-operative urinary retention is usually treated with medications to relax the bladder or to reduce the amount of fluid in the bladder. In severe cases, catheterization may be performed to remove urine from the bladder. If the urine is not drained, medications such as anticholinergics can be used to reduce the amount of urine in the bladder.
In cases where the mechanical interference is the cause for the post-operative urinary retention, the underlying cause needs to be addressed. In some cases, the surgical procedure may need to be altered or the scar tissue may need to be removed. In cases of infection, antibiotics are administered to treat the infection.
Prevention of Acute Post-Operative Urinary Retention
Certain measures can be taken to reduce the risk of acute post-operative urinary retention. These include:
- Consulting with the doctor before any major surgical procedure
- Providing detailed information on pre-existing conditions and medications to the doctor
- Adhering to post-operative appointments and instructions
- Drinking plenty of fluids and urinating regularly after the surgery
- Restricting exposure to certain medications