Does Acute Urinary Retention after Total Joint Replacement Predispose to Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and acute urinary retention are both common complications of total hip replacement. Previous experimental studies have demonstrated that bladder distension obstructs the iliac veins causing a decrease in venous outflow from the legs, and that after hip replacement a decrease in venous outflow is associated with the development of DVT. This suggests that acute urinary retention after joint replacement predisposes to DVT and that routine catheterisation would reduce the risk of DVT. The aim of the study was to determine, using strain gauge venous plethysmography, whether acute urinary retention after joint replacement causes a decrease in venous outflow from the legs. It was found that acute retention did not significantly alter the venous outflow. We therefore conclude that acute urinary retention after joint replacement does not predispose to DVT.