AIM: To evaluate the impact of the use of bladder ultrasound in the reduction of urinary catheterization in patients suspected of acute urinary retention or at risk of suffering from it. METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted across various databases to identify studies comparing the use of bladder ultrasound to standard practice in managing acute urinary retention. Both observational and experimental studies that reported the number of urinary catheterizations performed were included. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies involving 3210 participants were included. The findings indicated that the use of bladder ultrasound was associated with a significant reduction in the number of urinary catheterizations, with decreases ranging from 20% to 90% compared to control groups. Even in studies where a reduction in the number of catheterizations was not observed, there was a decrease in adverse effects associated with this procedure, such as urinary tract infections and extended hospital stays. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provides evidence on the benefits of bladder ultrasound in diagnosing and managing acute urinary retention, enabling a reduction in the number of urinary catheterizations. Implementing this technology, along with proper training for nursing staff, could enhance patient care and safety, as well as the efficiency of healthcare systems.