What is a potential cause of urinary retention after surgery?

Neurogenic bladder is a condition that can result in urinary retention following surgery. It occurs when there is a disruption in the normal nerve signals between the bladder and the brain, often due to trauma, surgery, or neurological diseases. After surgery, particularly if the procedure involves pelvic, spinal, or abdominal areas, patients may experience changes in bladder function due to manipulation of nerves or tissues that regulate urination.

In neurogenic bladder, patients may be unable to sense the need to void or may not be able to initiate urination, leading to an accumulation of urine and subsequent retention. This is especially relevant in cases of surgeries that involve anesthesia, as certain anesthetic agents can also impact the nervous system's control over bladder function. Understanding this mechanism helps in addressing urinary retention through appropriate assessments and interventions postoperatively.