Bladder emptying assessment in stroke patients.

The bladder-emptying status of 85 stroke patients admitted to a comprehensive rehabilitation center was evaluated by postvoid residual (PVR) sequential catheterizations. Those patients with incomplete bladder emptying were assessed by scheduled PVRs throughout their hospitalization. Incomplete bladder emptying occurred initially in 48 of the 85 patients and was sustained in 28. Of this group, 22 were able to void voluntarily and 15 were continent. The incomplete emptying group also demonstrated a significantly higher rate of urinary tract infections. Incomplete bladder emptying or urinary retention in stroke patients with apparently normal bladders is a frequent problem which should be addressed as part of the routine rehabilitation management.