Urinary Retention Following Non-urologic Surgery

Purpose of Review: To evaluate the literature assessing postoperative urinary retention (POUR) after non-urologic surgeries, including risk factors, as well as short- and long-term consequences. Recent Findings: POUR is multifactorial; however, several risk factors, such as male sex, advanced age, and preexisting lower urinary tract symptoms are well established. Procedures that do not involve damage to the urinary or nervous system are rarely associated with long-term consequences, as opposed to colorectal surgery in which long-term voiding dysfunction may be experienced. Improved surgical technique may improve results in these cases. Various preventive methods have been studied. While medical prevention has been efficacious in some cases, physical, noninvasive interventions failed to show a benefit. Summary: While general risk factors for POUR are known, the literature assessing these factors varies widely and, in many cases, with conflicting results. With the expansion of ambulatory surgery, it is expected that the POUR will become more frequent. Prospective, well-designed studies are needed to guide the management in these cases.