High incidence of acute urinary retention associated with immediate catheter removal after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, a common treatment for medically refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease, is associated with a high rate of postoperative urinary retention. This study explored the incidence of urinary retention and external factors.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for inpatient records of patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for the treatment of reflux disease from 1 December 2004 through 31 December 2008 at a community teaching medical center.

RESULTS

A review of 111 inpatient records found a 21.6% (n=24) incidence of acute urinary retention after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Acute urinary retention was not significantly associated with a longer hospital stay (2.39 vs. 2.79 days). More importantly, 79.2% (n=19) of the patients with postoperative acute urinary retention had removal of their Foley catheters immediately after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary retention rates after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication may be lowered by postponing the removal of the Foley catheter for several hours.