Rapid and complete decompression of chronic urinary retention: a safe and effective practice. (January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmed, M; Abubakar, A; Lawal, At; Bello, A; Maitama, Hy; Mbibu, Hn
• Is Part Of: Tropical doctor. Volume 43:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2013-01
• Subjects: Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing Countries -- Periodicals; Tropical Medicine -- Periodicals; Tropische geneeskunde; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1177/0049475512472432
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0049-4755

Abstract

Summary: We carried out a prospective study of consecutive patients who presented with chronic urinary retention over a period of 2 years in order to determine the safety and effectiveness of rapid and complete decompression of chronic urinary retention. A total of 22 patients met the inclusion criteria. Although slow decompression is thought to reduce complications, it harbours the disadvantages of impracticability, time and labour demands and an increased risk of infection. Post-obstructive diuresis, haematuria and hypotension are relatively frequent in rapid and complete decompression of chronic urinary retention. However, they are mild, transient and clinically insignificant. Rapid and complete decompression of the chronically obstructed urinary bladder not only saves time, it is safe and effective and should be adopted as the standard practice.