Postoperative Urinary Retention

Case Synopsis

A 73-year-old man undergoes total hip arthroplasty performed under spinal anesthesia using 1.5 mL of 0.75% bupivacaine (11.25 mg) with 100 μg of morphine. The patient receives approximately 1500 mL of intravenous fluids during the 2-hour procedure. After 3 hours in the recovery room, he complains of moderate bladder fullness and strains to void 150 mL of urine. A postvoid ultrasound evaluation reveals a residual volume of 700 mL, and an indwelling catheter is placed. The urinary catheter is discontinued after 24 hours, and the patient resumes adequate, spontaneous voiding. He is discharged to home and has no further complications.