Abstract: Ultrasound Measurements of Bladder Volume Facilitate Detection of Urinary Retention after Outpatient Surgery

D. J. Pavlin, MD, E. G. Pavlin, MD, H. C. Gunn, MD, J. K. Taraday, BA, M. E. Koerschgen, BS, and H. A. Keyes, RN. "Ultrasound Measurements of Bladder Volume Facilitate Detection of Urinary Retention after Outpatient Surgery." Diagnostic Ultrasound Corporation.

Objectives:
* To identify patients at risk of urinary retention, and determine whether ultrasound measurements of bladder volume using a BladderManager^® would facilitate the management of this condition after outpatient surgery.

Methods:
* A group of 165 patients at University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, had their bladder volume measured periodically using a BladderManager^®, until voiding occurred. Ultrasound volume measurements were then compared to patient estimates of bladder volume.
* A second group of 193 patients were managed by standard nursing practices.
* Volume of urine voided, recovery time until voiding, total intravenous fluids, and need for urinary catheterization were recorded for both groups. Results for the two groups were compared.

Results:
* 13% of patients in the BladderManager^® group had ultrasound bladder volumes greater than 600ml, indicating urinary retention; 60% of these patients were unable to detect their full bladder, and 33% required catheterization.
* In the second group, 5% of patients were catheterized, two for volumes of less than 600ml.

Conclusions:
* "Risk of urinary retention is high after anal, hernia, vaginal/pelvic surgery and spinal/epidural anesthesia. Ultrasound measurements of bladder volume facilitated appropriate fluid therapy and aided in early detection of urinary retention, which may be of value particularly in high risk patients after OPS."

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