Why is it essential to perform a bladder scan for a patient who has not voided after surgery?

Performing a bladder scan for a patient who has not voided after surgery is critical because it helps to determine the need for catheterization. After surgery, patients may experience urinary retention due to various factors, such as anesthesia effects or altered fluid status. A bladder scan provides a non-invasive method to measure the volume of urine in the bladder. If the scan indicates significant bladder distention, it suggests that the patient is retaining urine and may require catheterization to relieve pressure, prevent complications, and facilitate bladder emptying.

In the context of post-surgical care, timely and appropriate management of urinary retention is crucial. It helps avert potential outcomes such as bladder overdistension, urinary tract infections, or impaired kidney function. Thus, assessing the need for catheterization through a bladder scan is a vital step in ensuring the patient's overall recovery and comfort following surgery.