BACKGROUND
The rate and duration of urinary retention after routine cervical and lumba
r spine procedures were studied.
METHODS
Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors related to urinary
retention (age, sex, duration of operation, medications, Foley use, hospita
l stay, and cost) were analyzed in a retrospective review of 503 patients'
charts.
RESULTS
Urinary retention occurred 38% of the time following cervical and lumbar sp
ine procedures. Advanced age and preoperative beta blockers contributed to
a higher incidence of urinary retention. Preoperative antiinflammatory medi
cations and narcotic analgesics reduced the frequency of urinary retention.
The duration of urinary retention was prolonged in older patients and pati
ents who underwent intraoperative Foley catheterization, Urinary retention
contributed to longer hospitalization and increased hospital costs.
CONCLUSIONS
Transient urinary retention is a common complication of routine neurosurgic
al spine procedures that prolongs hospital stays and increases the costs of
hospitalization. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc.