Knowledge of Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention of Postoperative Urinary Retention Among the General Population of the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

After an operation, patients may experience a variety of complications, including postoperative urinary retention (POUR). POUR is a frequent complication that patients experience after surgical interventions and is defined as the inability to voluntarily void despite having a filled bladder. This study evaluated the awareness of POUR among the citizens of the western region of Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the western region of Saudi Arabia from October 2024 to January 2025. A total of 500 adults who are living in the region were included in this study. Sociodemographic factors, surgical history, and knowledge of POUR were evaluated using chi-squared tests, mean and standard deviation analysis, and Spearman's correlation test. A majority of participants (49.8%) were aware of the term POUR, and 74.5% of them correctly defined POUR as the inability to urinate following a surgical procedure despite having a full bladder or the urge to urinate. Furthermore, most of the participants addressed the symptoms of POUR as the urge to urinate accompanied by an inability to void (85.9%), painful inability to void (56.6%), and suprapubic or bladder pain or discomfort (36.7%). Reported risk factors included renal disorders (37.4%), diabetes (23.2%), neurological disorders (15.7%), and hypertension (14.4%). This study highlights that there is moderate awareness of POUR in the region, with a lack of awareness of its symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Early identification and education are essential to prevent further complications.