# An Unusual Presentation of Massive Asymptomatic Urinary Retention in a 63-Year-Old Male With Iron Deficiency Anaemia

## TL;DR

A 63-year-old man had a 15-liter bladder without symptoms, highlighting the importance of early detection of asymptomatic urinary retention.

## Contribution

This case report highlights an unusual asymptomatic presentation of massive urinary retention.

## Key findings

- The patient had a 15-liter bladder but no symptoms and normal kidney function.
- Management included catheterization and medications for suspected prostate enlargement.
- Early detection is crucial to prevent complications in asymptomatic cases.

## Abstract

Chronic urinary retention (CUR) is typically symptomatic, but rare cases exist where patients present without symptoms. We report on a 63-year-old man with a huge, distended bladder, holding approximately 15 litres of urine at the time of examination. Despite the bladder’s size, the patient was completely asymptomatic, with preserved renal function. Management included catheterization with intermittent clamping to prevent rapid decompression, and initiation of tamsulosin and finasteride for suspected benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), with plans for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) as definitive management. Even without symptoms, CUR can exist and risks serious complications if not identified and managed early.