Emergency medicine practice
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Review Case Reports
An evidence-based approach to emergency department management of acute urinary retention.
Approximately 10% of men in their 70s and 33% of men in their 80s report at least 1 episode of acute urinary retention, and this urological emergency presents unique assessment and treatment challenges in the emergency department setting. Patients presenting with acute urinary retention are often in severe pain and require urgent diagnosis and prompt treatment. ⋯ This review analyzes the etiology, key historical and physical findings, differential diagnosis, and diagnostic studies for acute urinary retention in both men and women. Treatment algorithms for men and women, current controversies regarding urinary catheter usage, and recommendations on criteria for disposition are also presented.