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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Problems With Urination After Surgery
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Problems With Urination After Surgery
by sbrean11, Aug 09, 2003 12:00AM
My grandmother just had her gall bladder removed today. Considering her age, she went through that surgery extremely well. Like she said....she's a "tough ole' bird!!" So what's the problem you ask? After the surgery, naturally she rested. But anybody that has had this operation knows that you CAN'T leave the hospital until you have urinated. She drank water like crazy and Sprite too. And there were times when she FELT like she needed to go to the bathroom, but never could get anything to come out. They wound up having to use a urinary catheter on her. Is this a common "after" problem when you get your gall bladder removed? And if so, is there anything that might could help her begin to urinate normally? Thanks! :^)
Sara
Sara
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 10, 2003 12:00AM
, Aug 10, 2003 12:00AM
I would make sure that the kidney function continued to be normal post-op. During surgery there are a lot of fluid shifts that can predispose you to acute renal failure. Make sure that her kidney function tests are normal.
I am not a surgeon, but from what I understand urinary retention is not uncommon post-op. The general anesthesia that is used can result in urinary retention and it may take a few days before one can urinate independently. Other causes can include medications, infections or an obstruction.
If there continues to be urinary retention, I would suggest a urology consult for another opinion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
I am not a surgeon, but from what I understand urinary retention is not uncommon post-op. The general anesthesia that is used can result in urinary retention and it may take a few days before one can urinate independently. Other causes can include medications, infections or an obstruction.
If there continues to be urinary retention, I would suggest a urology consult for another opinion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments
by MarieLarge, Jul 03, 2008 08:22AM
A related discussion, Just had Bladder Surgery and now I can't pee was started.
by GATNUS, Aug 18, 2009 06:49PM
A related discussion, Can't urinate after gall bladder removed was started.
