Incidence of abnormal voiding parameters in the immediate postpartum period

Abstract

One hundred eighty-four patients were assessed prospectively by uroflowmetry and postmicturition ultrasonography on a daily basis in the immediate postpartum period to assess the incidence of abnormal voiding parameters, their predisposing factors, and whether the combination of two screening tests was more helpful than either alone as a screening test of abnormal voiding in the puerperium. The incidence of abnormal voiding parameters was 43%. The majority of these were asymptomatic. Of those patients who had an abnormality, 68% had normal voiding parameters by the time they went home, and all of those who returned for follow-up had normal parameters. Operative delivery, perineal trauma, and epidural anaesthesia all increased the incidence of abnormal voiding parameters. Residual urine was a feature in 70 of the 79 patients found to be abnormal, and the incidence of an abnormal flow rate was not significantly greater than in the nonpregnant population. This suggests that the addition of uroflowmetry does not confer any benefit over postmicturition assessment of residual urine by ultrasonography in the detection of patients with postpartum voiding dysfunction.

Protracted postpartum urinary retention: The importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention

“…2,4 Silent, asymptomatic postpartum voiding dysfunction is quite common; however, it is usually self-limited and spontaneous resolution is expected within a short time. 5,6 Acute, symptomatic postpartum urinary retention is much less common and might be complicated by protracted course beyond the early puerperium. Data regarding this disturbing clinical situation are limited.…”

Postpartum urinary retention after vaginal delivery: Assessment of risk factors in a case-control study

“…It has been variably defined as the abrupt onset of aching or acheless inability to completely micturate, requiring urinary catheterization, over 12 h after giving birth (1) or not to void spontaneously within 6 h of vaginal delivery (2)(3)(4). In 2001, Calgary Health Region's Policy and Procedures outlined acute urinary retention as the catheterization of the bladder within the first 24 h postpartum for not voiding within 6 h postpartum, to micturate often in small amounts, or to have an urge to micturate but can not or to be catheterized for any reason for an amount of 500 mL output within the first 24 h postpartum (5).…”

Effect of the Duration of Labor on Postpartum Postvoid Residual Bladder Volume

“…Literature on this common condition is relatively exiguous, and postpartum urinary retention has been attributed to epidural analgesia during labor or delivery [2,3], instrumental delivery [4], cesarean section [1], birth canal and perineal trauma [5] and first vaginal delivery [1,4]. Previously, there have been only limited suggestions that protracted deliveries may be associated with postpartum urinary retention [6].…”