Post-void residual volume in labor: a prospective study comparing parturients with and without epidural analgesia.

BACKGROUND

This prospective, non-randomized study compared post-void residual volume in laboring and postpartum women with or without epidural analgesia.

METHODS

The study was conducted over 1 year with institutional review board approval. Parturients were recruited in early labor and self-selected to either the study (with epidural) or control (without epidural) group. Post-void residual volume was compared between groups, using transabdominal ultrasound during labor, and on postpartum day 1 and 2. Main outcome measure was intrapartum residual bladder volume.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were recruited to each group. During labor, residual bladder volume was significantly larger in the epidural group compared with the non-epidural group [median (range)] 240 (12-640), ml vs. 45 (13-250) ml, respectively, P < 0.001], but was similar on postpartum day 1 and 2. Twenty-five (83%) women with epidural analgesia required bladder catheterization during labor vs. one (3.3%) without (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The greater post-void residual volume and increased inability to void in parturients with epidurals suggests that epidural analgesia plays a role in intrapartum urinary retention.