Incidence and Risk Factors for Postoperative Urinary Retention: A Retrospective, Observational Study with a Literature Review of Preventive Strategies.

To determine the incidence of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) in our surgical patients and review house staff practices in management.A chart review of patients with POUR, identified through billing codes, was performed. In addition, a house staff survey was conducted to assess whether straight catheterization (SC) or indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) was preferred at different bladder volumes.The incidence of POUR was 2.2% (n = 43). This resulted in eight urology consults, seven discharges with an IUC, and three readmissions. There were significant disparities between the house staff survey results and actual practices. The mean volume for IUC insertion on the house staff survey was 365 cc compared to 739 cc from our patient cohort. Twenty percent of respondents chose to use SC at bladder volumes in excess of 700 cc.Management of POUR remains highly variable. Best practice guidelines are required to standardize our management of this complication.