RENAL AND GENITOURINARY
EMERGENCIESEXAM
■ Findings vary with cause of obstruction (eg, enlarged prostate c/w BPH).
■ Abdominal tenderness
■ Palpable bladder (if containing > 150 mL)DIAGNOSIS
■ UA to evaluate infection, tumor, calculi
■ BUN and creatinine to evaluate renal functionTREATMENT
■ Supportive care with analgesia
■ Placement of a 16- or 18-inch French urethral catheter or Coudé catheter
■ Donotclamp catheter.
■ Bladder aspiration if Foley catheter cannot be placed and urology consul-
tant is unavailable
■ Observation of patients with chronic retention for the development of pos-
tobstructive diuresis (4–6 hours)
■ Discharge with catheter in place and follow up with urology.
■ Antibiotics for infection, as needed
■ Avoidance of offending drug or surgical treatment of obstruction as indicatedTABLE 18.11. Causes of Acute Urinary RetentionPenile obstruction Meatal stenosis
Paraphimosis
PhimosisUrethral obstruction Foreign body
Hematoma
Severe urethritis
Stricture
TumorProstate obstruction BPH
Cancer
Severe prostatitisNeurogenic causes Diabetes
Multiple sclerosis
Cauda equina syndromeMedications α-Adrenergic agents
Antihistamines
Anticholinergics
Antispasmodics
TCAs