Fowler’s syndrome

This webinar was presented by Rachel Skews, Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Urology, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Devon and Laura Thomas, Consultant Clinical Scientist in Urology and GI, North Bristol Trust, Bristol. You can view the whole webinar at https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5029121/D6B8F394E3DD19C3DC3540F3D3FEE073

 

Rachel opened the webinar by discussing voiding dysfunction, before moving on to specifics about Fowler’s syndrome. This condition occurs in young women post menarche and causes high volume painless retention. Around 40% have polycystic ovary syndrome, and there is some evidence of a link with endometriosis. There may be an apparently unconnected precipitating event (such as an anaesthetic, laparoscopy or dental procedure).
 
In people with Fowler’s syndrome, all investigations are normal (indicating that it is not a neurological condition), including magnetic resonance imaging, and the patient is not taking drugs to relieve this, particularly not opiates. If the patient comes to you with a diagnosis of Fowler’s syndrome, they will almost always know a lot about their condition, as there is lots of information and support groups on social media.
 
After this clinical update, Laura presented some cases of Fowler’s syndrome in women of different ages and presenting factors, and then the pair discussed the management options and how they would handle these in practice.