Post-void residual volume in labor: a prospective study comparing parturients with and without epidural analgesia.
BACKGROUND
This prospective, non-randomized study compared post-void residual volume in laboring and postpartum women with or without epidural analgesia.


METHODS
The study was conducted over 1 year with institutional review board approval. Parturients were recruited in early labor and self-selected to either the study (with epidural) or control (without epidural) group. Post-void residual volume was compared between groups, using transabdominal ultrasound during labor, and on postpartum day 1 and 2. Main outcome measure was intrapartum residual bladder volume.


RESULTS
Thirty patients were recruited to each group. During labor, residual bladder volume was significantly larger in the epidural group compared with the non-epidural group [median (range)] 240 (12-640), ml vs. 45 (13-250) ml, respectively, P < 0.001], but was similar on postpartum day 1 and 2. Twenty-five (83%) women with epidural analgesia required bladder catheterization during labor vs. one (3.3%) without (P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
The greater post-void residual volume and increased inability to void in parturients with epidurals suggests that epidural analgesia plays a role in intrapartum urinary retention.
Weiniger
C F
CF
Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Hadassah University Medical Cneter, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel. weinigerc@softhome.net
Wand
S
S
Nadjari
M
M
Elchalal
U
U
Mankuta
D
D
Ginosar
Y
Y
Matot
I
I
D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology*; D036801:Parturition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011247:Pregnancy; D014463:Ultrasonography; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014554:Urination / Q000502:physiology*; D014556:Urine