Urinary Retention Following General Anesthesia for Endoscopic Nasal Surgery in Men Aged Over 60 Years: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) after anesthesia and surgery is influenced by many factors, and its reported incidence rate varies widely. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and risk factors for urinary retention following general anesthesia for endoscopic nasal surgery in male patients aged over 60 years. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records between January 2015 and December 2019 identified 253 subjects for inclusion in our study. Age, body mass index, history of diabetes/hypertension, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and urologic history were included as patient-related factors. Urologic history was subdivided into three groups according to history of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and current medication. The following were analyzed as perioperative variables for the development of POUR: duration of anesthesia and surgery; amount of fluid administered; rate of fluid administration; intraoperative requirement for fentanyl, ephedrine, and dexamethasone; postoperative pain; and analgesic use. Preoperatively measured prostate size and uroflowmetry parameters of patients on medication for symptoms were compared according to the incidence of urinary retention.Results: Thirty-seven patients (15.7%) had urinary retention requiring catheterization. Among analyzed variables, only urologic history was identified as a predisposing factor. The incidence rate among patients without urologic issues was 5.9%. This compared to 19.8% among patients with a history of BPH/LUTS, which was not reduced by taking medical treatment. Among patients taking medication for symptoms, the maximal and average velocity of urine flow were significantly lower in subjects with POUR. Conclusions: General anesthesia for endoscopic nasal surgery is a potent trigger of urinary retention in male patients aged over 60 years. The urological history of the patient was the most important risk factor, and the occurrence of POUR appears to be affected by urinary conditions. The present study is helpful in understanding the occurrence of POUR following general anesthesia in elderly male patients.