[Catheter-related bladder discomfort in post-anaesthesia care unit].

Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is an unrecognized clinical event. Symptoms of CRBD secondary to an indwelling urinary catheter mimic those of an overactive bladder, i.e. urinary frequency and urgency with or without urge incontinence. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors located in the bladder wall by the catheter is the triggering factor. Postoperative pain may be increased by the CRBD. Antimuscarinic drugs, as oxybutynin, are today the main treatment. Further studies are warranted to confirm efficacy of ketamine, tramadol and gabapentin in this situation.