Urinary tract problems are quite common after surgery.
Luckily, most of these problems are minor and resolve quickly in the days following surgery.
Problems, including infection, can develop and impact all of the areas of the urinary tract.
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Thankfully, a urinary tract infection is typically able to be treated quickly and easily with an antibiotic.
The primary reason that urinary tract infections are so common after surgery is the use ofurinary catheters.
This catheter, also known as a Foley catheter, is inserted using sterile techniques to help prevent infection.
Urinary Retention
This is a condition that ranges in severity from a minor inconvenience to very serious.
The patient no longer feels the urge to urinate or isunable to urinatecompletelyor at allafter surgery.
It is also referred to as “neurogenic bladder” or “neurogenic bladder dysfunction.”
Other patients feel the urge to urinate but they are unable to completely empty the bladder.
When the bladder fills up, urine starts to back up and can damage the kidneys permanently.
Low Urine Output
This means that the body is producing less urine than is expected.
If these simple interventions are not successful, a more aggressive treatment plan may be necessary.
It is often reversible.
Kidney Failure
There are two main types of kidney failure, acute and chronic.
The cause may be as simple as low blood pressure and may be improved by increasing blood pressure levels.
Thankfully, these cases are rare.
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