Our study aims to investigate the management of female AUR among healthcare professionals, with a specific focus on urology and gynecology trainees and consultants in various hospital settings across Pakistan. We seek to identify differences in perceptions, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies employed by these professionals. By utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, we aim to assess their perceptions related to female AUR. This research addresses a critical gap in the literature as prior studies have not explored variations in management strategies among physicians. The goal is to determine whether there is a need for a standardized protocol for the diagnosis and management of female AUR

We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire developed and piloted by Urogynecologists and Urologists. The questionnaire was disseminated to nationwide trainees and consultants of OBGYN and Urology who are working in hospital settings (academic settings and private setups). The results were analysed as equally weighted average of the responses (rating average; RA) for each question. The analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 19.0. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used. P values of <0.05 were be considered to indicate statistical significance

59.1% of participants were from Urology and 39.9% were from OBGYN. 84.7% of respondents worked in training Institutes while non-training Institutes accounted 15.3% of respondents. Exposure to cases of AUR was variable with majority of respondents (54.4%) encountering 1-2 cases per month. Decision-making and treatment approaches were different among both specialties. Differences were also observed between training and non-training institutes.

There are variations in the evaluation and management of female patients with AUR between respondents in both sub-specialties and training Institutes and non-training Institutes. These differences reflect variations in baseline knowledge, training and expertise and are largely influenced by its infrequent presentation. A guideline can therefore help in standardization of management of Female AUR.

Based on the findings of this study, it is evident that gynecologists and urologists exhibit distinct perspectives on the management of acute urinary retention (AUR) in female patients, largely influenced by its infrequent presentation. Recognizing these differences among these healthcare demographics is instrumental in guiding future research initiatives, shaping clinical practices, and facilitating targeted interventions concerning urinary retention in women. This understanding holds particular significance within the domains of urology and obstetrics and gynecology, where tailored approaches to diagnosis and management may be warranted

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Khogeer A, Campeau L, Aubé-Peterkin M. Idiopathic Urinary Retention in the Female. Female Genitourinary and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction 2022 Dec 10 (pp. 1-10). Cham: Springer International Publishing.)