Detrusor Underactivity and Urinary Retention in Geriatric Patients: Evaluation, Management and Recent Research

Urinary retention is a common urologic problem in older adults. The condition can be either acute or chronic. Detrusor underactivity and bladder outlet obstruction are the most common primary causes. A variety of underlying clinical factors including neurological diseases, muscular disorders, and some medications can lead to urinary retention in elderly patients. Urodynamic testing can assist with differential diagnosis in some cases. Management often involves intermittent or indwelling catheterization, although neuromodulation and surgical diversion can be considered in select patients. Detrusor underactivity has recently gained increased research attention, and new translational research about this entity in geriatric patients is reviewed.