Patient-related risk factors for urinary retention following ambulatory general surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a source of avoidable patient harm. The aim of this review is to identify and quantify the role of patient-related risk factors in the development of POUR following ambulatory general surgery. METHODS: Studies published until December 2014 were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases. Risk factors assessed in 3 or more studies were meta-analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were suitable for inclusion consisting of 7,802 patients. The incidence of POUR was 14%. Increased age and the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms significantly increased risk with odds ratios [ORs] of 2.11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15 to 3.86) and 2.83 (1.57 to 5.08), respectively. Male sex was not associated with developing POUR (OR .96, 95% CI .62 to 1.50). Preoperative α-blocker use significantly decreased the incidence of POUR with an OR of .37 (95% CI .15 to .91). CONCLUSIONS: Increased age and the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms increase the risk of POUR, while α-blocker use confers protection. Male sex was not associated with POUR. These findings assist in preoperative identification of patients at high risk of POUR.