Urinary Dysfunction Post-Surgery

What is urinary dysfunction post-surgery?

Urinary dysfunction post-surgery can either be urinary retention, also known as POUR (Postoperative Urinary Retention), or urinary incontinence.

Postoperative Urinary Retention (POUR)

Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder completely. Urinary retention is a common complication of post-surgery and anaesthesia and is commonly known as Postoperative Urinary Retention (POUR). The risk of retention is especially high following anorectal surgery, hernia repair, and orthopedic surgery and increases with advancing age of the patient. Many factors are thought to contribute to the development of POUR including traumatic catheterization, pre-existing urologic pathology, and increased fluid requirements of surgery combined with the use of analgesics, opiates and components of anaesthesia.

Postoperative Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the loss of the ability to control urination. Urinary incontinence is common in men who have had surgery for prostate cancer. Most men regain their bladder control over time and are fully recovered within 6 to 12 months. However, it is important to get professional advice to help cope with bladder weakness during this time.

What's The Next Step?

At Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, our certified physical therapists will provide you with a thorough evaluation to determine what the best treatment plan will be for you. We understand how inhibiting pain and stiffness can be, and we want to help get you back to comfortably living your life. We'll help lift all of your physical stresses away!

Please email receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com to book an appointment, or call our office at 908-443-9880.