High incidence of acute urinary retention associated with immediate catheter removal after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, a common treatment for medically refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease, is associated with a high rate of postoperative urinary retention. This study explored the incidence of urinary retention and external factors. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for inpatient records of patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for the treatment of reflux disease from 1 December 2004 through 31 December 2008 at a community teaching medical center. Results: A review of 111 inpatient records found a 21.6% (n = 24) incidence of acute urinary retention after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Acute urinary retention was not significantly associated with a longer hospital stay (2.39 vs. 2.79 days). More importantly, 79.2% (n = 19) of the patients with postoperative acute urinary retention had removal of their Foley catheters immediately after surgery. Conclusions: Urinary retention rates after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication may be lowered by postponing the removal of the Foley catheter for several hours.