Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 8/5/2011

Question
My husband had Fentanyl and Versed for cataract surgery. He was unable to urinate afterward and we had to go to the ER for catherization. Is this a possible side-effect? Thank you.

Answer
While narcotics (especially long-acting ones like Morphine) can cuase such problems when given through a spinal, I am not aware of that effect from Fentanyl given IV. Since you don't mention his age, I'm assuming he's elder and if it persists, he should be seen by a urologist.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston