Postoperative Urinary Retention After Primary Colorectal Cancer Resection via Laparotomy: A Prospective Study of 2,355 Consecutive Patients

PURPOSE: The risk factors for postoperative urinary retention after colorectal carcinoma surgery can be clearly defined. This study was designed to determine risk factors for postoperative urinary retention after colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: A total of 2,355 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer who underwent open resection for colorectal cancer during a four-year period were included. The association between dependent and independent variables (including 19 clinicopathologic and surgical factors) was analyzed by using the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. The significant variables in the univariate analyses were included in multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of postoperative urinary retention was 5.5 percent (colon cancer, 1.7 percent; rectal cancer, 9.1 percent, P 1 month) and transient urinary dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients, lung disease, rectal cancer, longer operation duration, and additional pelvic procedure were at greater risk. There is a time-dependent change in postoperative urinary dysfunction. Male gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists' score of 2 or 3, rectal tumor, surgical drain, and pelvic infection can identify patients at risk for prolonged urinary dysfunction.