Background. Haemorrhoids are one of the most common functional disorders of the anus. The Haemorrhoidectomy surgical
procedure is one of the primary treatments for more severe haemorrhoidal occurrences, such as for third- and/or fourth-degree
haemorrhoid conditions. Urine retention is a common acute complication after operation, but rare study conducted by nurses in
Taiwan to explore the prevalence and risk factors.
Design. A retrospective chart review was conducted.
Methods. Data from a prospectively maintained database on patients who had undergone haemorrhoidectomy between April
2004 – August 2008 were retrospectively analysed. A total of 469 charts were used in this analysis. The following outcomes
were studied: patient profiles, haemorrhoid type and severity, anaesthesia methods, length of operating room stay, urine
retention and management, intravenous fluid given during operation and length of stay.
Results. The overall urinary retention rate was 32Æ8% (n = 153). Significant risk factors associated with postoperative urinary
retention included severity of haemorrhoid and anaesthesia methods. Logistic regression analysis revealed that epidural
anaesthesia (p = 0Æ008), spinal anaesthesia (p = 0Æ016) and haemorrhoids with a severity of three degrees or higher (p = 0Æ017)
were predictors of urinary retention post haemorrhoidectomy.
Conclusions. Acute urinary retention can have an adverse effect on a patient’s quality of care. Careful follow-up of patients with
these risk factors can help nurses spot posthaemorrhoidectomy urinary retention early.
Relevance to clinical practice. The prevalence of acute urinary retention post haemorrhoidectomy is common. Surgical ward
nurses should therefore take the responsibility regarding the impact of urinary retention and seeking appropriate nursing
interventions of induced urination.