Acute Urinary Retention: Risks and Management

The document discussed acute urinary retention (AUR) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), highlighting that it was traditionally an immediate indication for surgery. However, the understanding of AUR as a progressive condition was gaining acceptance. Epidemiological data indicated that the incidence rate was less variable than previously thought, but the risk increased with age. Key risk factors included serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, maximum flow rate, and symptom severity. Prevention efforts were suggested for older patients with severe symptoms, larger prostate glands, and higher PSA levels. Finasteride was shown to reduce risk, and alpha-blockers helped achieve spontaneous voiding post-AUR.