The role of the IPSS (International Prostate Symptoms Score) in predicting acute retention of urine in patients undergoing major joint arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Acute urinary retention following major joint arthroplasty is common. It does necessitate instrumentation, puts patients at risk of complications, and causes discomfort and embarrassment. The aim of the study was to find a test to help the surgeon to predict the possibility of acute retention of urine. METHODS: Male patients admitted for elective major joint arthroplasty filled in an IPSS (International Prostate Symptoms Score) during the pre-operative visit. They were observed post-operatively to document if they passed urine spontaneously or went into acute retention. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between the IPSS and the likelihood of developing acute retention. Patients with moderate to high IPSS had a 55% to 100% chance of developing acute retention of urine, respectively. CONCLUSION: The IPSS proved to be a simple and reliable test to help the surgeon in predicting the possibility of developing acute retention. It might be a good addition to the pre-admission clinic investigations in patients undergoing major surgery. It could consolidate the decision to pre-emptive catheterisation in patients at risk.