5.1. Urinary Retention - Acute

Question 1

What is Acute Urinary Retention?

Answer 1

The painful inability to void with a palpable and percussible bladder

Question 2

What are the main risk factors for Acute Urinary Retention?

Answer 2

1. Benign Prostatic Obstruction
2. Urinary Tract Infection UTI
3. Urethral Stricture
4. Alcohol Excess

Question 3

What are the Clinical Features of Acute Urinary Retention?

Answer 3

1. Spontaneous Pain
2. Inability to Void
3. Palpable Bladder
4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Question 4

What investigations are necessary in Acute Urinary Retention?

Answer 4

1. General Examination - including Digital rectal Exam

2. Catheterisation

Question 5

What is the purpose of the General Examination - including Digital rectal Exam?

Answer 5

To find the Aetiology

Question 6

What is the purpose of Catheterisation?

Answer 6

If this relieves the pain and allows urine flow it is indicative

Question 7

What are the treatment options for Acute Urinary Retention?

Answer 7

1. Catheterisation
2. Treat the underlying cause (if present)
3. Alpha Blockers
4. Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Question 8

How do Alpha Blockers work?

Answer 8

These cause Smooth Muscle Relaxation of the Prostate, and antagonize the “Dynamic” Element to the Obstruction