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Retention(urinary)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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This occurs when there is absolute or incomplete emptying of the bladder of urine.

Classification:

  • acute urinary retention - an acute cessation of urinary flow which may occur in otherwise normal individuals, especially males, postoperatively.

  • chronic urinary retention - asymptomatic, the result of chronic incomplete bladder emptying; noted as an enlarged bladder on abdominal examination.

Patients with chronic urinary retention may develop acute-on-chronic retention. This may be precipitated by factors such as urinary tract infection or constipation. It causes absolute cessation of urinary flow.


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