Evaluation and Treatment of Acute Urinary Retention

Acute urinary retention is a common presentation to the Emergency Department and is often simply treated with placement of a Foley catheter. However, various cases will arise when this will not remedy the retention and more aggressive measures will be needed, particularly if emergent urological consultation is not available. This article will review the causes of urinary obstruction and systematically review emergent techniques and procedures used to treat this condition.