[How to manage acute urine retention?].

Acute urinary retention is a common problem, mainly among elderly men. The first step in the treatment is the placement of an indwelling urinary catheter. It's common practice to remove the catheter after a short period of time to observe if spontaneous micturition returns. However, there is no consensus on how to do this. This article summarizes recommendations regarding catheter removal based on available literature and expert opinion. The most important recommendation is treatment with an α-blocker before catheter removal, since this significantly increases the chances of spontaneous micturition (RR 1.39 [1.18-1.64]). Catheter removal should take place within 3 to 5 days after placement after elimination of provoking factors, such as immobilization, infection and obstipation. Referral to a urologist is recommended if spontaneous micturition does not return after multiple attempts of catheter removal, in case of recurrent urinary retention and acute urinary retention in young men and females.