International Journal of Medicine and Health Development (Jan 2008)
Acute urinary retention in men with BPH; A review and presentation of the management policy of the urology unit, University of Nigeria teaching hospital, Enugu
Abstract
Acute urinary retention (AUR) is a urological emergency characterized by a sudden and painful inability to pass urine. Early care usually consists of urethral catheterization, or suprapubic catheterization when the urethral approach fails or earlier attempts have resulted in significant urethral trauma. Following these initial steps significant difference had existed in the secondary management of AUR, between the different units regarding issues such as indications for and duration of admission, antibiotic use, alpha adrenergic blocker use and trial without catheter (TWOC). These differences led to a consensus meeting that produced a management protocol for AUR at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, that suits our peculiar conditions. This paper reviews the AUR in general and highlights our management protocol.