urinary retention after surgery

I am having surgery in a month.  2 years ago I had an epidural and had urinary retention for  a week.  Then last year I had my gall bladder out and needed a catheter again for 2 days.  Is there anyway I can prevent urinary retention from happening again before this surgery or is there nothing you can do beforehand?  I would really like to prevent it before it happens.  Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Unfortunately, urinary retention is a side effect from the anesthetic before surgery.  The severity would vary from patient to patient.  Ensuring there is no urinary infection nor obstruction, as well as not using any more anesthesia than necessary, can help.  

You may want to discuss this with your personal urologist for further suggestions.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Kathi Kimmerle]

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