Clinical management of acute post-operative bladder spasm in children and young people

Acute post-operative bladder spasm (APBS) is a painful and distressing condition that commonly occurs in children and young people following urological surgery. Healthcare professionals caring for these patients should anticipate the occurrence of APBS after certain urological surgical procedures and understand how pain caused by APBS differs from general post-surgical pain. This article outlines the incidence, symptoms and pathophysiology of APBS and highlights the importance of a multimodal management strategy involving a range of non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures and interventions. By enhancing their understanding of APBS and its clinical management, children's nurses can alleviate pain and support post-operative recovery for children and young people as well as reduce distress for children and young people and their families.