Urinary retention

Definition

This occurs when urine is produced by the kidneys but not voided by the bladder.

Source: Black's Medical Dictionary (42nd ed, 2010, ISBN 978-1-4081-0419-4)

 

Causes 

Obstruction

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia 
• Urethral stricture
• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer  
• Nephrolithiasis
• Ureterolithiasis
• Cystolithiasis
• Urethrolithiasis 
• Constipation
• Pregnancy

Neurological 

• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Spina bifida
• Cauda equina syndrome 

 

Symptoms

• Strong urge to urinate experienced frequently
• Hesitancy / hesitation
• A urinary stream that is very weak and intermittent
• Small volumes of urine passed during urination 
• Frequency
• Overflow incontinence

 

Complications

• Acute urinary retention

 

Management

• Urinary catheterisation 
• Prostatic stenting 
• Suprapubic cystostomy