Preoperative urinary function does not predict postoperative acute urinary retention in men after rectal resection.

Abstract

Acute urinary retention (AUR) is a well-known complication after rectal surgery. It can be associated with additional morbidity. Causes of postoperative AUR are often multifactorial - involving patient-, pathology- and treatment-related factors. A proportion of men undergoing total mesorectal excision (TME) have preexisting urinary dysfunction and this may predispose to AUR. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the influence of preoperative urinary function on postoperative AUR in men undergoing TME. A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted. All adult men undergoing rectal resection between June 2016 and January 2018 were recruited. Combined pelvic resections, inability to void per urethra and emergency surgery were excluded. Preoperative urinary function was assessed with uroflowmetry, prostate ultrasound and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The incidence of postoperative AUR, urinary tract infection (UTI) and length of hospital stay (LOS) were measured. Seventy-seven patients (mean age 61years) were recruited. The overall incidence of AUR was 21%. Preoperative urinary function, IPSS and past urological history were not predictive for postoperative AUR. AUR was not associated with UTI and did not affect LOS. Patients with UTI had a higher intravesical protrusion of the prostate. Preoperative urinary dysfunction in men is not predictive of postoperative AUR after TME. It should not preclude early trial of void after TME. AUR did not predispose to UTI, nor did it prolong LOS.