Post-Surgery Urinary Retention and Treatment Options - Urology

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Post-surgery urinary retention can be a challenging issue, especially following procedures such as hemorrhoid surgery, which may inadvertently affect the urinary tract. Your experience with urinary retention and the subsequent urinary tract infection (UTI) is not uncommon, and it’s understandable that you have concerns about your recovery and ongoing symptoms.

1. Accuracy of the Urinary Flow Test: Regarding your question about the accuracy of the urinary flow test conducted while you were dehydrated, it is indeed possible that the results may not fully reflect your typical urinary function. Dehydration can lead to concentrated urine and may affect the volume you are able to produce during the test. If you felt that your body was lacking hydration at the time of the test, it could have resulted in a lower flow rate and potentially skewed the assessment of your urinary function. Ideally, urinary flow tests are performed when the patient is well-hydrated to ensure more accurate results.

2. Residual Urine Volume: A residual urine volume of 60 cc is generally not considered severe, but it does warrant monitoring. In a healthy individual, the residual volume after urination should ideally be less than 50 cc. However, a volume of 60 cc suggests that there may be some degree of urinary retention. It is essential to continue observing your symptoms and follow your physician's recommendations. If your urinary symptoms improve with medication like Betmiga (mirabegron), which is used to treat overactive bladder, this could indicate that your bladder function is gradually returning to normal.
The decision to initiate further treatment, such as medication or more invasive procedures like urodynamics, typically depends on the persistence of symptoms and the degree of urinary retention. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary. Urodynamic studies can provide valuable information about bladder function and help guide treatment options.

3. Timing of the Follow-Up Appointment: As for whether it was too early to conduct the urinary flow test after recovering from a UTI, it is generally advisable to wait until you are fully recovered from any infection before undergoing such assessments. UTIs can cause temporary changes in urinary habits and bladder function, so testing too soon may not provide a clear picture of your baseline urinary health. If you feel that your urinary function has improved since the test, it may be beneficial to discuss this with your urologist during your next visit.

In summary, your concerns about urinary retention and the impact of recent surgery are valid. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, especially given your anxiety about these issues. They can help clarify the results of your tests, monitor your recovery, and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. If you continue to experience anxiety, consider discussing this with your healthcare provider as well, as they may have resources or strategies to help you manage these feelings during your recovery. Remember, recovery can take time, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself as you heal.