UROLOGY · CONDITIONS
Urinary Retention
Inability to empty the bladder , acute retention is a urological emergency requiring immediate catheterisation and definitive treatment of the underlying cause.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Urinary Retention?
Urinary retention is the inability to pass urine voluntarily. Acute retention causes painful bladder distension requiring emergency catheterisation. Chronic retention is often painless but leads to progressive bladder and kidney damage. Common causes include BPH, urethral stricture, neurological disease, and medications. Dr. Vipin provides immediate catheter relief and then precisely identifies and treats the root cause , whether prostatic obstruction, urethral narrowing, or neurogenic dysfunction , to restore normal voiding permanently.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (most common in men)
- Urethral stricture from infection or trauma
- Neurological conditions (MS, Parkinson's, spinal injury)
- Post-operative voiding dysfunction
- Medications (antihistamines, decongestants, opioids)
- Constipation and faecal impaction
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Acute retention requires immediate urethral or suprapubic catheterisation to relieve pain.
Acute retention typically involves 500–1000 mL of retained urine in the bladder.
BPH is the most common cause in men over 50. Stricture is common in younger men.
TURP or HoLEP for BPH. OIU or urethroplasty for stricture. Definitive and lasting.
Bladder function usually recovers fully once obstruction is relieved promptly.
Early treatment of BPH and stricture prevents the development of retention.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
TURP / HoLEP (if BPH cause)
Definitive endoscopic removal of the obstructing prostatic tissue , restores normal voiding permanently after acute or chronic urinary retention caused by BPH.
- 1
Emergency Catheterisation
A urethral or suprapubic catheter is placed immediately to drain the bladder, relieve pain, and decompress the upper urinary tract.
- 2
Cause Investigation
Ultrasound, uroflowmetry, urethroscopy, and blood tests identify whether the cause is BPH, stricture, neurological, or medication-related.
- 3
Medical Stabilisation
Alpha-blockers are started to facilitate a voiding trial. Catheter is removed after 48–72 hours to assess whether voiding is re-established.
- 4
Definitive Surgery
TURP or HoLEP for BPH-related retention. OIU or urethroplasty for stricture-related retention. Planned once the patient is medically stable.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
TURP / HoLEP (if BPH cause)
Endoscopic prostate resection or enucleation for men with retention caused by prostatic enlargement , definitive and permanent.
OIU (if stricture cause)
Optical internal urethrotomy incises the urethral stricture under direct vision, restoring voiding when stricture is the causative factor.
Suprapubic Cystostomy (SPC)
Suprapubic catheter placed through the lower abdominal wall to drain the bladder when urethral catheterisation is not possible.
Bladder Neck Incision (BNI)
Endoscopic incision of the bladder neck to relieve functional obstruction causing retention, particularly in younger men.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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