Very often an indwelling catheter is ordered to control this problem. Urinary retention means the holding back of urine in the bladder because of the inability to urinate. The cause of this inability may be trauma, swelling, injury to spinal nerves, infection, obstruction, tension, or anything that prevents the bladder from releasing the stored urine. Retention with overflow means that the individual voids frequently in small amounts. Catheterisation may be ordered to help restore control.
Residual urine is that which remains when the bladder fails to commonly empty itself.
A urinary bladder that holds back urine in an abnormal manner can easily become infected because the urine left in the bladder is an excellent substance for growth of harmful bacteria. The Royal Gazette Limited.