Risk factors and management of postpartum urinary retention: A scoping review

This study aimed to identify the risk factors for the onset of postpartum urinary retention (PUR), to locate the most effective prevention, treatment interventions, and how to improve its management. The research questions were the following: ‘In postpartum women, what are the risk factors for PUR? In postpartum women, what are the interventions aimed to manage the urinary retention?’ PUR is defined as an inability to void spontaneously or adequately during the postpartum period. PUR is a common disease that can lead to different consequences and the necessity of its management is indisputable. It is necessary to work on the prevention of the onset of PUR by promptly recognizing the risk factors and acting on them, with the aim of developing guidelines and protocols that help in clinical practice. A scoping review was performed. PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, Medline (Journals@Ovid Full Text, YourJournals@Ovid, Ovid MEDLINE[R] ALL) were systematically searched from 2014 until 2019. A total of 17 articles were included. Several studies have shown the presence of risk factors for the onset of PUR including mode and duration of labour, post-void residual bladder volume, episiotomy, vaginal tears, instrumental delivery, method of anaesthesia or analgesia, peripartum micturition, catheterization during labour, birth weight and parity. In addition, the duration of PUR is influenced by other factors, such as the number of fluids administered in the delivery room. Based on the current literature, PUR is a common condition that can lead to different consequences and the necessity of its management is indisputable. Although the risk factors are quite clear, there is still no definite way of treatment. Future research should focus on the PUR treatment.