Post-operative urinary retention (POUR) is one the most common post-operative complications after elective spine surgeries. Common causes of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) include bladder stenosis, distension, trauma due to catheterizations, age, and prostate hyperplasia. The incidence of POUR increases with age, gender, types of surgery conducted, any comorbidities such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis, use of drugs such as anticholinergic agents, beta blockers, or sympathomimetics, and use of IV fluids.~This condition has been associated with the development of UTIs and sepsis, increased post-operative length of stay (LOS), and 90-day readmission after surgery. In the field of spine surgery, the reported incidence of POUR is highly variable, and there is no consensus on effective methods of prevention. We set out to assess POUR from patients catheterized compared to non-catheterized following a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
To determine if indwelling Foley placement at the onset of the procedure, straight catherization at the conclusion of the procedure, or no catheterization produces the lowest rates of postoperative urinary retention after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions (TLIFs).