Bladder function after ambulatory surgery

Micturition is a complex process under both involuntary and voluntary control. A variety of pathological conditions, as well as certain surgical and anesthetic procedures cause urinary retention, which may have long lasting consequences. Patients undergoing ambulatory surgery have traditionally been required to void prior to discharge; however, this practice is increasingly being questioned. Ultrasound scanning of the bladder is an accurate method of measuring urine volume in postoperative patients. It may be useful as a non-invasive method of monitoring bladder volume, thus avoiding unnecessary bladder catheterization whilst at the same time preventing prolonged overdistension. We present an algorithm for managing ambulatory patients in both low and high-risk groups for postoperative urinary retention.