Urinary Retention, Acute

• Causes:
• Obstruction: BPH, constipation, malignancy, stricture
• Neurologic impairment: CVA, neuropathy, spinal cord pathology (e.g. epidural abscess, compression)
• Drugs: opiates, benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, sympathomimetics (decongestants), antipsychotics
• Therapy: bladder decompression with Foley or suprapubic catheter (normal PVR <12 cc), alpha antagonist in suspected BPH

(Christopher Woo MD, 1/6/11)