Secondary hypertension accompanying high pressure chronic retention

Management of urinary retention: rapid versus gradual decompression and risk of complications

The literature was reviewed to quantify the risk of complications related to the relief of obstruction in urinary retention. We also sought to determine whether the risk of complications is higher with rapid or gradual decompression (or "clamping") of the obstructed urinary bladder. The medical literature was identified by a search of the MEDLINE database and a manual review of the bibliographies of the identified articles. Studies show that, after quick, complete relief of obstruction, hematuria occurs in 2 to 16% of patients; however, clinically significant hematuria is rare. After relief of obstruction, blood pressure often decreases, but it usually normalizes and does not progress to clinically significant hypotension. Postobstructive diuresis occurs after relief of obstruction in 0.5 to 52% of patients; however, it is easily managed and rarely of clinical significance. We were unable to identify any randomized controlled studies that directly compared quick, complete emptying with gradual emptying of the obstructed bladder. Moreover, we identified no studies supporting the practice of gradual emptying of the obstructed bladder. The available published studies support quick, complete emptying for relief of the obstructed urinary bladder. We conclude that hematuria, hypotension, and postobstructive diuresis may occur after decompression of the obstructed urinary bladder, but these complications are rarely clinically significant. Quick, complete emptying of the obstructed bladder is safe, simple, and effective and is recommended as the optimal method for decompressing the obstructed urinary bladder. Prudent, supportive care is needed for all patients, with special attention to elderly patients and those with hypovolemia.

Mechanism of upper tract dilatation in patients with thick walled bladders, chronic retention of urine and associated hydroureteronephrosis

The mechanism of upper tract dilatation in patients with obstructive uropathy associated with thick walled trabeculated bladders and painless retention of urine has been determined in 9 cases by simultaneous measurement of renal pelvic and bladder pressures under baseline conditions and after administration of different stresses to the urinary tract. Under basal conditions no pelvic pressure increase was observed during detrusor contraction or other alteration of lower urinary tract pressure. However, after the flow in the upper tract was increased by oral water load, intravenous furosemide or direct pelvic perfusion, pelvic pressures were markedly elevated and reflected accurately any change in intravesical pressure. Under such conditions, pelvic pressures frequently exceeded 40 cm. water. These observations provide an explanation for the increasing size of the upper tract and a clarification of the mechanism whereby renal function might gradually deteriorate in these patients.