Postoperative Urinary Retention Following General Anesthesia for Endoscopic Nasal Surgery in Men Aged Older Than 60 Years: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objectives: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is influenced by many factors, and its reported incidence rate varies widely. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and risk factors for urinary retention following general anesthesia for endoscopic nasal surgery in male patients aged >60 years. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records between January 2015 and December 2019 identified 253 patients for inclusion in our study. Age, body mass index (BMI), a history of diabetes/hypertension, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and urologic history were included as patient-related factors. Urologic history was subdivided into 3 groups according to history of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and current medication. The following was analyzed as perioperative variables for POUR development: duration of anesthesia and surgery; amount of fluid administered; rate of fluid administration; intraoperative requirement for fentanyl, ephedrine, and dexamethasone; postoperative pain; and analgesic use. Preoperatively measured prostate size and uroflowmetry parameters of patients on medication for symptoms were compared according to the incidence of urinary retention. Results: Thirty-seven (15.7%) patients developed POUR. Age (71.4 vs 69.6 years), BMI (23.9 vs 24.9 kg/m2), a history of diabetes/hypertension, ASA classification, and perioperative variables were not significantly different between patients with and without POUR. Only urologic history was identified as a factor affecting the occurrence of POUR ( P = .03). The incidence rate among patients without urologic issues was 5.9%, whereas that among patients with BPH/LUTS history was 19.8%. Among patients taking medication for symptoms, the maximal and average velocity of urine flow were significantly lower in patients with POUR. Conclusions: General anesthesia for endoscopic nasal surgery may be a potent trigger for urinary retention in male patients aged >60 years. The patient’s urological history and urinary conditions appear to affect the occurrence of POUR.