Ambulatory Surgery Patients May Be Discharged before Voiding after Short-acting Spinal and Epidural Anesthesia

Background: Voiding before discharge is usually required after outpatient epidural or spinal anesthesia because of concern about bladder overdistention and dysfunction. Shorter duration spinal and epidural anesthesia may allow return of bladder function before overdistention occurs in low-risk patients (those younger than age 70, not having hernia, rectal, or urologic surgery, and without a history of voiding difficulty), and predischarge voiding may not be necessary.

Methods: After institutional review board approval and informed consent, 201 low-risk ambulatory patients were prospectively studied in either a standard or accelerated pathway after undergoing spinal or epidural anesthesia with procaine, lidocaine, 2-chloroprocaine, or less than 7 mg bupivacaine; epinephrine was not used in any anesthetic. Standard pathway patients (n = 70) were required to void before discharge. Accelerated pathway (n = 131) patients were not required to void. (After randomization of an initial 163 patients to one of the two tracks, 38 additional patients were assigned to the accelerated pathway.) If accelerated pathway patients voided, they were discharged when all other discharge criteria were met. If they did not spontaneously void after block resolution, a bladder ultrasound (BUS) was performed. If the BUS indicated a urine volume of less than 400 ml, the patients were discharged and instructed to return to the emergency department if they were unable to void within 8 h of discharge. If the BUS indicated a urine volume of greater than 400 ml, the patients were reassessed in 1 h and were discharged if they could void spontaneously. If they could not void spontaneously, they were catheterized to facilitate discharge. All patients were contacted the next day to assess the return of normal bladder function.

Results: All standard pathway patients voided without difficulty, and were discharged in 153 +/- 49 (SD) min. 62 patients in the accelerated pathway voided spontaneously after resolution of their block and were discharged in 127 +/- 41 min. 46 patients were discharged with a BUS less than 400 ml in 120 +/- 42 min. 23 patients had a BUS greater than 400 ml: of these, 20 patients voided within an hour and were discharged in 162 +/- 45 min. Three were catheterized after 1 h, and were discharged in 186 +/- 61 min. Mean discharge time for all patients in the accelerated pathway was 22 min shorter than the standard pathway (P = 0.002). No patients had difficulty voiding or returned to the hospital for urinary problems. None reported new urologic symptoms.     

Voiding in patients managed with or without ultrasound monitoring of bladder volume after outpatient surgery.

The goal of this study was to determine whether recovery room monitoring of bladder volume would affect patient outcome after ambulatory surgery. Incidence of urinary retention and times to void and to discharge were compared in 161 patients managed with ultrasound bladder monitoring versus 173 controls without bladder monitoring. Urinary retention was diagnosed by clinical means or by ultrasound, confirmed by bladder catheterization. Patients were required to void or were catheterized before discharge. In the control patients without underlying risk factors for retention, median time to void was 95 min, and retention occurred in 0.8%, which was not significantly different from the ultrasound group (80 min and 0%, respectively). After hernia/anal surgery or spinal/epidural anesthesia, voiding was delayed (130 and 213 min), incidence of retention was increased (17% and 13%), and there was a trend toward earlier voiding (168+/-99 vs. 138+/-68 min) with bladder monitoring. We conclude that most patients at low risk of retention void within 3 h of outpatient surgery; their outcome is unaffected by bladder monitoring. After hernia/anal surgery and spinal/ epidural anesthesia, the likelihood of urinary retention is increased, and ultrasound monitoring facilitates deciding whether such patients should be catheterized. IMPLICATIONS: Incidence of bladder catheterization and urinary retention were compared in patients managed with and without ultrasound monitoring of bladder volume after outpatient surgery. Monitoring did not alter outcome in patients at low risk of retention, but it facilitated determining when to catheterize patients at high risk of retention (hernia/anal surgery, spinal/epidural anesthesia).     

Management of bladder volumes when using neuraxial anesthesia

The major principles of management of bladder function during outpatient neuraxial blockade include choice of short-acting local anesthetics, avoidance of adding epinephrine, and reasonable fluid administration (750 to 1000 mL) to avoid overdistention of the bladder. Data suggest that low-risk patients are at no greater risk of retention than after general anesthesia, and may be discharged home with similar instructions regarding return if unable to void. High-risk patients may require closer monitoring with a BUS, and catheter drainage if volumes exceed 600 mL.     

Management of bladder function after outpatient surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to test a treatment algorithm for management of bladder function after outpatient general or local anesthesia. METHODS: Three hundred twenty-four outpatients, stratified into risk categories for urinary retention, were studied. Patients in category 1 were low-risk patients (n = 227) having non-pelvic surgery and randomly assigned to receive 10 ml/kg or 2 ml/kg of intravenous fluid intraoperatively. They were discharged when otherwise ready, without being required to void. Patients in category 2 (n = 40), also presumed to be low risk, had gynecologic surgery. High-risk patients included 31 patients having hernia or anal surgery (category 3), and 31 patients with a history of retention (category 4). Bladder volumes were monitored by ultrasound in those in categories 2-4, and patients were required to void (or be catheterized) before discharge. The incidence of retention and urinary tract symptoms after surgery were determined for all categories. RESULT: Urinary retention affected 0.5% of category 1 patients and none of category 2 patients. Median time to void after discharge was 75 min (interquartile range 120) in category 1 patients (n = 27) discharged without voiding. Fluids administered did not alter incidence of retention or time to void. Retention occurred in 5% of high-risk patients before discharge and recurred in 25% after discharge. CONCLUSION: In reliable patients at low risk for retention, voiding before discharge appears unnecessary. In high-risk patients, continued observation until the bladder is emptied is indicated to avoid prolonged overdistention of the bladder.     

An evaluation of general and spinal anesthesia techniques for prostate brachytherapy in a day surgery setting

We evaluated four anesthetic techniques for transperineal brachytherapy of the prostate in a day-surgery setting: general anesthesia with either fentanyl and propofol total IV anesthesia (TIVA) or with fentanyl, thiopental, and isoflurane (F-P-I), versus spinal block using 5 mg of 0.5% large-dose spinal hyperbaric bupivacaine (LDS) or 2.5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine plus fentanyl 25 mug small-dose spinal (SDS). Operating room time was shorter in the general anesthesia groups. TIVA patients voided earlier (103 +/- 41 min) than F-P-I patients (131 +/- 65 min), SDS (126 +/- 55 min), and LDS patients (169 +/- 65 min; P < 0.05 TIVA versus all groups and between spinal groups). TIVA patients were discharged earlier (119 +/- 42 min) than F-P-I patients (160 +/- 69 min) and SDS or LDS patients (132 +/- 53 and 186 +/- 72 min, respectively; P < 0.05 versus all groups and between the spinal groups). There were no intergroup differences regarding postanesthesia nausea or vomiting, pain score, return to normal function at home, or overall satisfaction. Whereas all four techniques are suitable for this procedure, TIVA provides the earliest voiding and consequently fastest discharge. Between spinal techniques, the SDS technique requires more intraoperative sedation but provides earlier voiding and consequently earlier discharge. TIVA, general anesthesia with isoflurane and fentanyl, and two spinal techniques (5 mg of bupivacaine 0.5% or 2.5 mg of bupivacaine 0.5% plus 25 mug of fentanyl) are suitable techniques for transperineal brachytherapy in the day-surgery setting. TIVA allows for earliest voiding and therefore fastest discharge home. Spinal block with 2.5 mg of bupivacaine plus 25 mug of fentanyl provides earlier voiding and consequently earlier discharge than 5 mg of bupivacaine alone.     

Management of Bladder Function after Outpatient Surgery

Background: This study was designed to test a treatment algorithm for management of bladder function after outpatient general or local anesthesia.

Methods: Three hundred twenty-four outpatients, stratified into risk categories for urinary retention, were studied. Patients in category 1 were low-risk patients (n = 227) having non-pelvic surgery and randomly assigned to receive 10 ml/kg or 2 ml/kg of intravenous fluid intraoperatively. They were discharged when otherwise ready, without being required to void. Patients in category 2 (n = 40), also presumed to be low risk, had gynecologic surgery. High-risk patients included 31 patients having hernia or anal surgery (category 3), and 31 patients with a history of retention (category 4). Bladder volumes were monitored by ultrasound in those in categories 2-4, and patients were required to void (or be catheterized) before discharge. The incidence of retention and urinary tract symptoms after surgery were determined for all categories.

Results: Urinary retention affected 0.5% of category 1 patients and none of category 2 patients. Median time to void after discharge was 75 min (interquartile range 120) in category 1 patients (n = 27) discharged without voiding. Fluids administered did not alter incidence of retention or time to void. Retention occurred in 5% of high-risk patients before discharge and recurred in 25% after discharge.     

Recovery of Storage and Emptying Functions of the Urinary Bladder after Spinal Anesthesia with Lidocaine and with Bupivacaine in Men

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of spinal anesthesia with lidocaine and with bupivacaine on urinary bladder function in healthy men who were scheduled for minor orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Methods: Twenty men were randomly allocated to receive either bupivacaine or lidocaine. Before spinal anesthesia, filling cystometry was performed with the patient in the supine position and a pressure flow study was done with the patient in the standing position. After operation, cystometric measurements were continued until the patient could void urine spontaneously. The levels of analgesia and of motor blockade were recorded.

Results: The urge to void disappeared immediately after injection of the local anesthetics. There was no difference in the duration of lower extremity motor blockade between bupivacaine and lidocaine. Detrusor blockade lasted significantly longer in the bupivacaine group (means +/- SD, 460 +/- 60 min) than in the lidocaine group (235 +/- 30 min). Total fluid intake and urine volume accumulated during the detrusor blockade were significantly higher in the bupivacaine group than in the lidocaine group. In the bupivacaine group, the total volume of accumulated urine (875 +/-385 ml) was also significantly higher than cystometric bladder capacity (505 +/- 120 ml) with the risk of over distension of the bladder. Spontaneous voiding of urine did not occur until segmental sensory analgesia had regressed to the third sacral segment.     

椎管内注射利多卡因及舒芬太尼对下尿道功能恢复的影响

背景椎管内阻滞可以扰乱排尿反射,即使感觉阻滞恢复到S3节段,膀胱功能仍未完全恢复。经椎管内给予阿片类药物,呈剂量依赖性抑制膀胱逼尿肌收缩功能。因此,本研究探讨椎管内注射利多卡因及舒芬太尼对下尿道功能的影响。方法10例择期行下肢矫形手术的健康男性青年患者置入充盈性膀胱测压导管。记录基础指标后,给予100mg重比重利多卡因及20μg舒芬太尼行椎管内阻滞。手术后,记录感觉及运动神经阻滞恢复情况,并进行尿流动力学监测至患者可以自主完全排空膀胱。结果椎管内阻滞后,患者出现排尿感觉的时间为240（37）分钟,但此时患者无法自主排尿。膀胱充盈最大容量时,当感觉阻滞恢复到S2节段时,有6例患者有排尿感觉,其余4例患者恢复到S3节段时有排尿感觉,并且此期间未记录到膀胱逼尿肌收缩。椎管内阻滞后,患者可以自主完全排空膀胱的时间为332（52）分钟。具有排尿感觉至可以自主完全排空膀胱的时间间隔为90分钟。结论应用重比重利多卡因及舒芬太尼进行椎管内阻滞后,膀胱收缩功能恢复迟于感觉阻滞恢复到S3节段的时间。     

Bladder inhibition or voiding induced by pudendal nerve stimulation in chronic spinal cord injured cats

AIMS: To investigate pudendal-to-bladder spinal reflexes in chronic spinal cord injured (SCI) cats induced by electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve. METHODS: Bladder inhibition or voiding induced by pudendal nerve stimulation at different frequencies (3 or 20 Hz) was studied in three female, chronic SCI cats under alpha-chloralose anesthesia. RESULTS: Voiding induced by a slow infusion (2-4 ml/min) of saline into the bladder was very inefficient (voiding efficiency=7.3%+/-0.9%). Pudendal nerve stimulation at 3 Hz applied during the slow infusion inhibited reflex bladder activity, and significantly increased bladder capacity to 147.2+/-6.1% of its control capacity. When the 3-Hz stimulation was terminated, voiding rapidly occurred and the voiding efficiency was increased to 25.4+/-6.1%, but residual bladder volume was not reduced. Pudendal nerve stimulation at 20 Hz induced large bladder contractions, but failed to induce voiding during the stimulation due to the direct activation of the motor pathway to the external urethral sphincter. However, intermittent pudendal nerve stimulation at 20 Hz induced post-stimulus voiding with 78.3+/-12.1% voiding efficiency. The voiding pressures (39.3+/-6.2 cmH2O) induced by the intermittent pudendal nerve stimulation were higher than the voiding pressures (23.1+/-1.7 cmH2O) induced by bladder distension. The flow rate during post-stimulus voiding induced by the intermittent pudendal nerve stimulation was significantly higher (0.93+/-0.04 ml/sec) than during voiding induced by bladder distension (0.23+/-0.07 ml/sec). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that a neural prosthetic device based on pudendal nerve stimulation might be developed to restore micturition function for people with SCI.     

Early predictors of bladder recovery and urodynamics after spinal cord injury

Our purpose was to determine if intact perianal (S4–5) pin sensation (PPS) and bulbocavernosus (S2–4) reflex (BCR) shortly after spinal cord injury (SCI) are predictive of bladder function recovery. Twenty-eight SCI patients (aged 18–68 years, Frankel Classification A–D, spinal injury level C4–T12), admitted within 72 hours of injury, underwent evaluation of initial PPS and BCR. The presence of intact PPS and BCR were correlated with the patient's voiding function and urodynamic evaluation results 1 year postinjury. Of the 28 patients within 72 hours of SCI, PPS was intact in 17 (60%) and absent in 11 (40%), while 15 patients (54%) demonstrated a positive BCR and 13 (46%) did not. One year after SCI, no patient with absent PPS voided unassisted, while of the 17 patients with preserved PPS, 11 (65%) were voiding spontaneously. Of these 11 patients, urodynamic evaluation revealed detrusor areflexia in 1 (9%), normal detrusor function in 2 (18%), and detrusor hyperreflexia in 8 (73%), with 3 of these 8 patients (38%) also demonstrating detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. At 1 year postinjury, only 2 of 13 patients (15%) with an absent BCR voided spontaneously, while 9 of 15 patients (60%) with an intact BCR were able to void. Although PPS and BCR are moderately sensitive in predicting the return of spontaneous voiding, they cannot predict detrusor hyperreflexia and sphincter dyssynergia. Therefore, urodynamic study remains an essential component of initial urologic evaluation after SCI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 17:25–29, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Postoperative urinary retention

In 359 patients 371 operations were performed under general or regional anesthesia, and these were followed up with regard to anesthesiological technique, postoperative course and voiding of the bladder. Patients under 15 years of age, with severe incontinence or with a bladder catheter were excluded from the study. The surgical specialties were general surgery, orthopaedics, gynecology, ENT and ophthalmology. If any patient had not urinated by 6-10 h postoperatively and was found to have a full bladder on palpation, urinary retention was diagnosed. There were 75 patients (20%) who had urinary retention, significantly fewer women than men (p less than 0.025), and men under 35 years old had significantly less retention than older men (p less than 0.0025). The anesthesiological technique is an important factor in postoperative urinary retention: spinal anesthesia with tetracaine and adrenaline caused significantly more retention than spinal anesthesia with lidocaine 5% (p less than 0.005), and more than epidural or general anesthesia (p less than 0.005). No significant difference concerning urinary retention was found regarding surgical specialty, emergency operations, morphine or adrenaline added to tetracaine for spinal anesthesia, amount of local anesthetics used for epidural anesthesia or between spinal anesthesia with lidocaine 5% and epidural anesthesia with mepivacaine. Once urinary retention is diagnosed, conservative (privacy, relaxation exercises, getting up) or medical treatment (propyphenazone + hexahydroadiphenine (Spasmocibalgin), carbamoyl choline chloride) should be given. Catheterization should be performed only as a last resort.     

A comparison of spinal, epidural, and general anesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy

We compared general, epidural, and spinal anesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy (excluding anterior cruciate ligament repairs). Forty-eight patients (ASA physical status I-III) were randomized to receive either propofol-nitrous oxide general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask airway with anesthetic depth titrated to a bispectral index level of 40-60, 15-20 mL of 3% 2-chloroprocaine epidural, or 75 mg of subarachnoid procaine with 20 microg fentanyl. All patients were premedicated with <0.035 mg/kg midazolam and <1 microg/kg fentanyl and received intraarticular bupivacaine and 15-30 mg of IV ketorolac during the procedure. Recovery times, operating room turnover times, and patient satisfaction were recorded by an observer using an objective scale for recovery assessment and a verbal rating scale for satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance and chi(2). Postanesthesia care unit discharge times for the general and epidural groups were similar (general = 104+/-31 min, epidural = 92+/-18 min), whereas the spinal group had a longer recovery time (146+/-52 min) (P = 0.0003). Patient satisfaction was equally good in all three groups (P = 0.34). Room turnover times did not differ among groups (P = 0.16). There were no anesthetic failures or serious adverse events in any group. Pruritus was more frequent in the spinal group (7 of 16 required treatment) than in the general or epidural groups (no pruritus) (P<0.001). We conclude that epidural anesthesia with 2-chloroprocaine provides comparable recovery and discharge times to general anesthesia provided with propofol and nitrous oxide. Spinal anesthesia with procaine and fentanyl is an effective alternative and is associated with a longer discharge time and increased side effects. Implications: For outpatient knee arthroscopy, anesthesia can be provided adequately with regional or general anesthesia. Epidural and general anesthesia provide equal recovery times and patient satisfaction, whereas spinal anesthesia may prolong recovery and have increased side effects. The choice of anesthesia may depend primarily on the patient's interest in being alert or asleep during the procedure.     

Management of temporary urinary retention after arthroscopic knee surgery in low-dose spinal anesthesia: development of a simple algorithm

Introduction

In practice, trauma and orthopedic surgery during spinal anesthesia are often performed with routine urethral catheterization of the bladder to prevent an overdistention of the bladder. However, use of a catheter has inherent risks. Ultrasound examination of the bladder (Bladderscan^®) can precisely determine the bladder volume. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify parameters indicative of urinary retention after low-dose spinal anesthesia and to develop a simple algorithm for patient care.

Materials and methods

This prospective pilot study approved by the Ethics Committee enrolled 45 patients after obtaining their written informed consent. Patients who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery received low-dose spinal anesthesia with 1.4 ml 0.5% bupivacaine at level L3/L4. Bladder volume was measured by urinary bladder scanning at baseline, at the end of surgery and up to 4 h later. The incidence of spontaneous urination versus catheterization was assessed and the relative risk for catheterization was calculated. Mann–Whitney test, χ² test with Fischer Exact test and the relative odds ratio were performed as appropriate. *P < 0.05.

Results

Seventy percent of the patients were able to void spontaneously; in 30%, a Foley catheter had to be inserted because bladder volume exceeded 500 ml and/or urination was insufficient (P < 0.01). Bladder volume differed independently of the fluid infused. Additionally, patients with a bladder volume >300 ml postoperatively had a 6.5-fold greater likelihood for urinary retention.

Conclusion

In the management of patients with short-lasting spinal anesthesia for arthroscopic knee surgery we recommend monitoring bladder volume by Bladderscan^® instead of routine catheterization. Anesthesiologists or nurses under protocol should assess bladder volume preoperatively and at the end of surgery. If bladder volume is >300 ml, catheterization should be performed in the OR. Patients with a bladder volume of <300 ml at the end of surgery may be transferred to the ward or recovery room. In these patients, bladder volume must be checked at least every 60 min for a maximum of 3 h or until spontaneous voiding is possible or bladder volume is >500 ml.

     

Urodynamic patterns following ischemic spinal cord events

PURPOSE: The nature of bladder function following ischemic injuries to the spinal cord (vSCI) is poorly understood. We describe urodynamic (UD) findings in patients with vSCI and determined the optimal management of voiding dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1997 through September 2001, 18 patients were diagnosed with vSCI. All underwent neurological and urodynamic evaluation. The etiology of vSCI was abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in 10 patients, another surgical procedure in 4 and a spontaneous spinal cord infarct in 2. RESULTS: Two patients (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] class A) had detrusor areflexia or hyporeflexia and performed clean intermittent catheterization. Of the 10 patients assigned to ASIA class C 50% had UD evidence of abnormal compliance, unstable detrusor contractions and detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD). All 10 patients had thoracic or cervical sensory levels and 60% had detrusor hyporeflexia or areflexia. A single patient voided spontaneously, while the remainder performed continuous or intermittent catheterization. Five patients assigned to ASIA class D had no abnormal compliance, unstable detrusor contractions or DESD. Four patients voided spontaneously or by abdominal straining. The patients with a history of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair were a heterogeneous population. CONCLUSIONS: While the etiology or sensory level of vSCI does not appear to predict UD patterns with consistency, greater preservation of motor function may be associated with improved parameters. All patients with vSCI and lower urinary tract symptoms require thorough UD evaluation and ongoing surveillance is mandated because deterioration may develop with time. Clean intermittent catheterization may represent the most effective method of bladder emptying for patients unable to void voluntarily. However, early evidence of abnormal compliance and DESD has also been seen in these patients, underscoring the need for close UD surveillance.     

A comparison of minidose lidocaine-fentanyl spinal anesthesia and local anesthesia/propofol infusion for outpatient knee arthroscopy

Traditional methods of spinal anesthesia have proven problematic in the outpatient setting. Minidose lidocaine-fentanyl spinal anesthesia (SAB(MLF)) may be the adaptation necessary to reestablish spinal anesthesia in this venue. One hundred patients scheduled for outpatient knee arthroscopy were randomized to receive either local anesthesia plus a titrated IV propofol infusion (LA/PI) or SAB(MLF) using 20 mg lidocaine 0.5% + 20 microg fentanyl. Patients received midazolam 0.02-0.03 mg/kg IV and fentanyl 0.75-1.0 microg/kg IV upon arrival in the operating room before lumbar puncture or propofol infusion. The propofol infusion was begun at 50-75 microg. kg(-)(1). min(-)(1) and titrated to maintain patient comfort. Boluses (200-400 microg/kg) were given as needed. Local anesthesia included 30 mL lidocaine 1% with epinephrine 1:200,000 intraarticularly plus 10 mL at the portal sites. Three patients (6%) in the LA/PI group versus none in the SAB(MLF) group required general anesthesia. Airway support was required in 54% of the LA/PI patients and in none of the SAB(MLF) patients. Total operating room time (43 vs 45 min), time to home readiness (43 vs 45 min), actual discharge times (73.5 min in both groups), and the incidence of discharge >90 min (22% vs 24%) were the same for both LA/PI and SAB(MLF) groups. LA/PI and SAB(MLF) groups differed in terms of postoperative pruritus (8% vs 68%), pain (44% vs 20%), nausea (8% vs 22%), and ability to void before discharge (56% vs 32%). One patient in each group had mild difficulty initiating voiding at home, but neither required medical attention. In both groups, 90% of patients were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their anesthetic. The two techniques provided comparable patient satisfaction and efficiencies both intraoperatively and in postoperative recovery and discharge. The efficiencies of these techniques were not dependent on special provisions of the physical plant or the practice model. IMPLICATIONS: Both local anesthesia supplemented by a titrated IV propofol infusion and minidose lidocaine-fentanyl spinal anesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy provide high patient satisfaction with equally rapid recovery and discharge.     

Impact of a bladder scan protocol on discharge efficiency within a care pathway for ambulatory inguinal herniorraphy

Background

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common complication of ambulatory inguinal herniorraphy, with an incidence reaching 38 %, and many surgeons require patients to void before discharge. This study aimed to assess whether the implementation of a bladder scan-based voiding protocol reduces the time until discharge after ambulatory inguinal herniorraphy without increasing the rate of POUR.

Methods

As part of a perioperative care pathway, a protocol was implemented to standardize decision making after elective inguinal hernia repair (February 2012). Patients were assessed with a bladder scan, and those with <600 mL of urine were discharged home, whereas those with more than 600 mL of urine had an in-and-out catheterization before discharge. The patients received written information about urinary symptoms and instructions to present to the emergency department if they were unable to void at home. An audit of scheduled outpatient inguinal hernia repairs between October 2011 and July 2012 was performed. Comparisons were made using the t test, Fisher’s exact test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test where appropriate. Statistical significance was defined a priori as a p value lower than 0.05.

Results

During the study period, 124 patients underwent hernia repair: 60 before and 64 after implementation of the protocol. The findings showed no significant differences in patient characteristics, laparoscopic approach (35 vs. 33 %; p = 0.80), proportion receiving general anesthesia (70 vs. 73 %; p = 0.67), or amount of intravenous fluids given (793 vs. 663 mL; p = 0.07). The proportion of patients voiding before discharge was higher after protocol implementation (73 vs. 89 %; p = 0.02). The protocol had no impact on median time to discharge (190 vs. 205 min; p = 0.60). Only one patient in each group presented to the emergency department with POUR (2 %).

Conclusion

After ambulatory inguinal herniorraphy, implementation of a bladder scan-based voiding protocol did not result in earlier discharge. The incidence of POUR was lower than reported in the literature.     

Voiding reflex in chronic spinal cord injured cats induced by stimulating and blocking pudendal nerves

AIMS: To induce efficient voiding in chronic spinal cord injured (SCI) cats. METHODS: Voiding reflexes induced by bladder distension or by electrical stimulation and block of pudendal nerves were investigated in chronic SCI cats under alpha-chloralose anesthesia. RESULTS: The voiding efficiency in chronic SCI cats induced by bladder distension was very poor compared to that in spinal intact cats (7.3 +/- 0.9% vs. 93.6 +/- 2.0%, P < 0.05). In chronic SCI cats continuous stimulation of the pudendal nerve on one side at 20 Hz induced large amplitude bladder contractions, but failed to induce voiding. However, continuous pudendal nerve stimulation (20 Hz) combined with high-frequency (10 kHz) distal blockade of the ipsilateral pudendal nerve elicited efficient (73.2 +/- 10.7%) voiding. Blocking the pudendal nerves bilaterally produced voiding efficiency (82.5 +/- 4.8%) comparable to the efficiency during voidings induced by bladder distension in spinal intact cats, indicating that the external urethral sphincter (EUS) contraction was caused not only by direct activation of the pudendal efferent fibers, but also by spinal reflex activation of the EUS through the contralateral pudendal nerve. The maximal bladder pressure and average flow rate induced by stimulation and bilateral pudendal nerve block in chronic SCI cats were also comparable to those in spinal intact cats. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that after the spinal cord is chronically isolated from the pontine micturition center, bladder distension evokes a transient, inefficient voiding reflex, whereas stimulation of somatic afferent fibers evokes a strong, long duration, spinal bladder reflex that elicits efficient voiding when combined with blockade of somatic efferent fibers in the pudendal nerves.     

Variation in urinary flow according to voiding position in normal males.

Our objective was to study whether the urinary flow rate would vary according to voiding position. Twenty-one normal healthy male volunteers aged 24 to 40 years (mean, 29 years) were studied. The bed used was designed so that a hole could be opened at its center for voiding, and the bed could be bent at two points so that the subject could void in various positions. Urinary flow was measured with a portable uroflowmeter (P-Flow), which permits measuring urinary flow rate. Each subject assumed five voiding positions (standing, sitting, lateral, supine, and prone) in random order. Urinary flow was measured at least twice in each position to record a stable voiding. For voiding in the lateral position, subjects were instructed to void while bending the upper leg to keep an open angle between the legs. All subjects were also instructed to void without increasing abdominal pressure. Maximum flow rate was 20.7 +/- 6.59 mL/sec with voided volume of 262 +/- 77.8 mL in the lateral, 22.1 +/- 7.05 mLl/sec with voided volume of 309 +/- 130 mL in the supine, 25.0 +/- 8.25 mL/sec with voided volume of 287 +/- 122 mL in sitting, 27.1 +/- 8.89 mL/sec with voided volume of 263 +/- 102 mL in the standing, and 28.7 +/- 10.6 mL/sec with voided volume of 303 +/- 98 mL (mean +/- SD) in the prone positions. The maximum and mean urinary flow rates were greatest in the prone position. With regard to these parameters, significant differences were noted between the prone and lateral positions and between the prone and supine positions. In conclusions, the maximum urinary flow rate was highest in the prone position, followed by the standing, sitting, supine, and finally the lateral positions in normal males. Neurourol. Urodynam. 18:553-557, 1999.     

Treatment of interstitial cystitis with hydrodistention and bladder training

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hydrodistention (HD) and bladder training for interstitial cystitis (IC). From 1997 to 2006, 361 consecutive IC patients were treated by HD, followed by bladder training. Each patient was followed up using a diary for 8 weeks after HD weekly and monthly thereafter. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated using the average of the voided volumes and the voiding frequency. The mean +/- standard deviation of the pre-HD daytime voided volumes and voiding frequency were 110.0 +/- 47.0 ml and 14.7 +/- 11.0, respectively. Furthermore, the nocturnal values were 173.1 +/- 91.8 ml and 2.8 +/- 1.7, respectively. After 72 weeks post-HD, the 185 patients who completed the follow-up had volumes/frequency of daytime, 306.5 +/- 80 ml and 6.9 +/- 2.1, respectively, and nocturnal, 325.8 +/- 122.4 ml and 1.3 +/- 0.6, respectively. The implementation of HD and bladder training is crucially important for long-term remission among IC patients.     

Spinal 2-chloroprocaine: the effect of added dextrose

Spinal 2-chloroprocaine is being investigated as an alternative short-acting spinal anesthetic to replace lidocaine for outpatient surgery. Adding dextrose increases the baricity of solutions and alters the characteristics of spinal anesthesia. In this study, we compared 2-chloroprocaine spinal anesthesia performed with or without the addition of dextrose (1.1%). Eight volunteers underwent 2 spinal anesthetics, receiving 40 mg 2-chloroprocaine (2 mL, 2%) with 0.25 mL saline with one and 0.25 mL 10% dextrose with the other in a double-blinded, randomized, balanced crossover manner. Pinprick anesthesia, tolerance to transcutaneous electrical stimulation, and tourniquet, motor strength measurements, and time to ambulation and void were assessed. Postvoid residual bladder volume was measured via ultrasound. Spinal anesthesia was successful in all subjects and regressed within 110 (80-110) min. There was no significant difference in peak height T4 (T7-C6), time to achieve peak block height (14 +/- 6 min), time for 2-segment regression (44 +/- 9 min), regression to L1 (66 +/- 12 min), tolerance of tourniquet (43 +/- 9 min), or return of motor function (81 +/- 14 min). Mean postvoid residual volume was larger with dextrose (74 +/- 67 mL versus 16 +/- 35 mL; P = 0.02). No subject reported signs of transient neurologic symptoms (TNS). In conclusion, spinal 2-chloroprocaine provides adequate potency with reliable regression, seemingly without TNS. Adding dextrose does not significantly alter spinal block characteristics but increases residual bladder dysfunction. Therefore, the addition of glucose to 2-chloroprocaine for spinal anesthesia is not necessary. IMPLICATIONS: Spinal chloroprocaine provides adequate potency with reliable regression, seemingly without concerns of transient neurologic symptoms, and hence an appealing profile for outpatient surgery. The addition of dextrose does not alter peak block height or tolerance of thigh tourniquet, and increases the degree of residual bladder dysfunction.