acute urinary retention


acute urinary retention

A general term for an abrupt cessation of urinary flow, resulting in painful distension of the bladder.
Aetiology
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, neuropathy, constipation, cystitis, urethritis, medications (e.g., anticholinergics, antidepressants, COX-2 inhibitors, amphetamines and opiates).
 
Diagnosis
Urinary flow tests.
Complications
Bladder stones, detrusor muscle atrophy or hypertrophy, bladder diverticula, hydronephrosis.
Management
Urinary catherisation, alpha blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, prostate resection.