Urinary retention, in abdominal ultrasound, refers to the inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to a buildup of urine. This condition can be acute, causing sudden and painful inability to urinate, or chronic, where the bladder never fully empties, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Ultrasound is a crucial diagnostic tool for assessing urinary retention by allowing direct visualization and measurement of bladder volume and post-void residual urine.
Identifying urinary retention with abdominal ultrasound helps clinicians determine the severity and potential causes, such as bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., enlarged prostate), neurogenic bladder dysfunction, or certain medications. This non-invasive imaging technique guides timely intervention and management, preventing kidney damage and improving patient outcomes.