What is a common post-operative urinary complication?

A common post-operative urinary complication is urinary retention. After surgery, patients may experience a temporary inability to void due to factors such as anesthesia effects, pain management medications, or stress. These factors can interfere with the normal functioning of the bladder and the urge to urinate. Surgical procedures, especially those involving the pelvic region or lower abdomen, can further contribute to this complication by affecting the nerves and muscles involved in urination.

Urinary retention can lead to discomfort, increased risk of urinary tract infections, and may necessitate catheterization to relieve the bladder. Recognizing and managing urinary retention is crucial in post-operative care to prevent further complications and promote patient recovery.

While urinary incontinence, kidney stones, and bladder infections can all occur post-operatively, they are less common as immediate post-operative complications compared to urinary retention.