Description The inability to em...
Description
The inability to empty the bladder. Urinary retention can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract or by nerve problems that interfere with signals between the brain and the bladder. There are many causes, and the disorder can occur over a long period of time (chronic) or abruptly (acute). People with chronic retention are able to urinate but the stream is decreased and many times they cannot empty the bladder completely. Acute retention is an emergency since the kidneys can fail if the urine is not able to drain. In men, an enlarged prostate is the most common reason for urinary retention.
Symptoms
Lower abdominal pain, flank pain, lower abdominal distension, inability to pass urine, dribbling of urine, urinary frequency with small volumes.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A bladder ultrasound and/or catheter insertion to measure the amount of urine retained in the bladder after voiding. Blood tests for BUN and creatinine to assess kidney function.
Tests:
CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Urodynamic tests, bladder scan, cystoscopy
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Urology, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A bladder ultrasound and/or catheter insertion to measure the amount of urine retained in the bladder after voiding. Blood tests for BUN and creatinine to assess kidney function.
Tests:
CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Urodynamic tests, bladder scan, cystoscopy
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Urology, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at relieving the obstruction and reversing the cause of the retention. Initial treatment is insertion of a catheter into the bladder. Antibiotics are given if the urine is infected. Men with an enlarged prostate may require surgery.