title: Chronic urinary retention and pelvic floor hypertonicity after surgery for endometriosis: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate 4 cases of chronic urinary retention and pelvic floor muscle spasms after surgery for endometriosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  These patients underwent a complete history, physical exam, and diagnostic work- up. The results were analyzed with regards to type and extent of inciting surgery, diagnostic findings, postoperative recovery, and treatment success.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients' mean age was 39.5 years and all had undergone various surgical interventions for endometriosis. In addition to urinary retention, all developed debilitating pelvic floor muscle spasm postoperatively. Physical exam revealed pelvic floor hypertonicity and urodynamics indicated hypoactive detrusor contractility. Neurodiagnostic testing gave evidence of neuropathy in all subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extensive endometriosis surgery may pose a risk for postoperative bladder dysfunction and pelvic floor muscle spasm.
authors.affiliation: Washington Continence Center/Institute for Pelvic Floor Disorders, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA. ABRGehrich@aol.com
authors.forename: Alan P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Gehrich
authors.forename: John N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Aseff
authors.forename: Cheryl B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Iglesia
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.forename: Jerome L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Buller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004576:Electromyography; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013035:Spasm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000503:physiopathology; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014563:Urodynamics