Urethral calculi: An uncommon but important cause of  urinary retention in females

Kwaku ASAH-OPOKU Asah-Opoku

Kwaku ASAH-OPOKU Asah-Opoku Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

Keywords: Urine retention, Urethral calculus, female

Abstract

Urinary retention is a stressful situation that requires appropriate and prompt management [1]. When it occurs, it leads to anxiety, pain and lower abdominal
discomfort [1]. When it is long-lasting, the backpressure of urine that results from the obstruction can lead to hydroureters and hydronephrosis, which can lead to kidney injury. Urethral obstruction in females is caused by previous incontinence surgery, urethral stricture and external obstruction of the urethra, such as from pelvic tumours like uterine fibroids and cervical cancer, among others [2].