Övertänjd urinblåsa- redan före operation? En observationsstudie
Introduction: Urinary retention is a common postoperative complication associated with bladder distension. Permanent damage to the bladder affects the patient?s quality of life and may lead to a lifelong inability to empty the bladder and needs of self-catheterization with the risk of urinary tract infection. Bladder distension was classified as the fourth largest health care related injury in Sweden in 2013. Bladder distension may occur before the operation starts and is more common among orthopedic patients. Risk factors affecting the ability to empty the bladder may be pain, drugs, old age, anxiety and immobility.Aim of the study: The aim is to examine the frequency of bladder distension by measuring patients? amount of urine in the preoperative care.Method: A quantitative approach has been chosen. An observational study designed as a cross sectional study. A consecutive sample was used in the study. A pilot study was done to test the data collection methodology and the study protocol. The pilot study was done in two surgical wards in Västra Götaland and 50 participants were included. Ultrasound bladderscan was used as measuring instrument.Result: Most important finding was that 9 patients (18 %) had a preoperative urine volume above the limit volume. 3 patients (6 %) had a bladder distention. The women had the most amount of urine preoperatively. The age group that had the most amount of urine was between 51-70 yearsDiscussion: It may take a long time from the patient's last urination to the operation start. Therefore it is important that the operation room nurse is aware of the risks of bladder distension. Preoperative bladderscan can diagnose the problem, and prevent unnecessary catheterization. We can easily prevent bladder distension before it leads to health care related injuries by controlling the bladder before the surgery.