Postoperative Urinary Retention

Postoperative Urinary Retention

Postoperative urinary retention is a term used to describe a condition in which a person cannot void urine after surgery. This is a common complication associated with surgery and can increase the person’s risk of serious health problems. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments of postoperative urinary retention.

Causes

Postoperative urinary retention is most commonly caused by an obstruction, such as a tumor or bladder stone, as well as other factors such as medications, anesthesia, or pelvic surgery. It can also be caused by conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or prostate problems.

Symptoms

The main symptom of postoperative urinary retention is the inability to urinate. Other symptoms may include poor or decreased stream of urine, a sense of fullness in the bladder, back pain, or abdominal pain. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms occur after surgery.

Treatments

Postoperative urinary retention can often be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, or further medical interventions. Medications such as alpha blockers can be used to relax urinary muscles and allow urination. Surgery may be needed in some cases to remove blockages or treat underlying conditions.

Prevention

It is important to discuss all risks associated with surgery with your surgeon before the procedure. Additionally, postoperative management should include frequent monitoring for signs of urinary retention, such as noting the amount of urine produced. Drinking plenty of fluids and consuming an adequate amount of fiber may also help reduce the risk of postoperative urinary retention.

Overview

Postoperative urinary retention is a common complication of surgery and can increase the risk of serious health problems. Common causes of postoperative urinary retention include an obstruction, medications, anesthesia, or pelvic surgery. The main symptom of postoperative urinary retention is the inability to urinate. Treatment options can include lifestyle changes, medications, or further medical interventions. Discussing all risks associated with surgery and monitoring for signs of urinary retention after surgery may help to reduce the risk of postoperative urinary retention.