Yes, you might pee more (or have changes in urination) after hernia surgery, often due to large amounts of IV fluids given during the procedure, which the kidneys process, leading to increased urine output initially, though sometimes urinary retention (difficulty peeing) or urgency can occur due to anesthesia, pain meds, or local swelling, requiring medical attention if persistent.
VOIDING / URINATING
Occasionally, after surgery, your bladder may become too full with urine, and urinary retention can develop. This may manifest as either: 1) inability to void, 2) frequent voiding, or 3) frequent voiding of small amounts of urine. If any of these conditions develop, please contact the office.
Many men are shocked by their increased urine output after surgery, largely due to fluid given during their hospital stay. Staying hydrated and gentle walking are crucial for a swift recovery in the first week. Discover essential tips for optimal healing. #UrineProduction #SurgeryRecovery #HydrationMatters #PostSurgery.
Sometimes a patient's bladder will be trapped within the hernia. If this happens, you could experience urinary burning, frequent infections, bladder stones and hesitancy or frequency in urinating.
Urinary retention usually goes away on its own with time (1-2 weeks after surgery) as it is related to some swelling in the area near the urethra because of your surgery.
The "21-second pee rule" comes from a scientific discovery that most mammals over about 3 kg (like dogs, cows, elephants) empty their bladders in roughly 21 seconds, regardless of their size, due to physics involving urethra length and gravity. For humans, this serves as a loose benchmark: urinating significantly faster (e.g., under 10 seconds) or slower (over 30 seconds) might signal holding it too long or an overactive bladder, though it's not an exact diagnosis.
Other complications for both types of hernia repairs include: Difficulty urinating: Urinary retention occurs most frequently in older men and is the result of stimulation of nerves to the bladder during the operation. This is usually transient, lasting a few days, but occasionally it requires a catheter.
The posterior approach to inguinal hernia (IH) repair, especially the laparoscopic approach has its own set of complications, one of them being mesh erosion into viscera. While mesh erosion into bowel has been reported, erosion of mesh into the urinary bladder (UB) has only infrequently been reported.
Gentle activity around the home will help your wound heal. After 1 week, you should feel more comfortable and be able to walk short distances and do light activities. Do not do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 6 weeks. This will help with healing and prevent the hernia from returning.
The "6-2 rule" for inguinal hernias in children is a guideline for surgical timing: Neonates (birth-6 weeks) need surgery within 2 days; children 6 weeks to 6 months need it within 2 weeks; and children over 6 months need it within 2 months, because younger infants have a higher risk of incarceration (strangulation). For adults or older children with reducible hernias, some sources suggest seeing a surgeon if symptoms last over six weeks.
Most people need to pass urine about six to seven times in a 24-hour period. Peeing more than seven times a day when drinking about 2 liters of fluid is considered urinary frequency. Needing to pee 20 times a day would be considered frequent urination.
Sometimes pressure from the gas used during surgery causes other side effects. You may have pain in your neck or shoulders. Or you may feel pressure on your bladder and need to urinate more often than usual. These side effects should go away in a few days.
Iatrogenic overhydration is a common cause of polyuria after surgery. Diabetes insipidus and cerebral salt wasting syndrome may cause polyuria after craniotomy or head injury. Hyperglycemia may cause postoperative polyuria and may occur in the absence of a prior history of diabetes mellitus.
Several factors can affect the bladder's control mechanisms, such as: Nerve damage: Surgical procedures involving the pelvic area can inadvertently harm the nerves that control bladder function. Pelvic floor muscle weakness: The muscles supporting the bladder may weaken due to the strain or trauma of the surgery.
After surgery to repair your hernia, you are likely to have pain for a few days. You may also feel tired and have less energy than normal. This is common.
Incarcerated hernia.
If the contents of the hernia become trapped in the weak point in the abdominal wall, the contents can block the bowel, leading to: Severe pain. Nausea or vomiting. Not being able to have a bowel movement or pass gas.
Of course, they should not be doing any strenuous exercise, but all patients after a hernia operation, be it laparoscopic or open, should be encouraged to get out of bed as much as possible and move around. Absolute bed rest is no longer recommended for hernia operations.
As with any surgery, most patients experience some post operative pain in the area of their hernia repair. Most patients will also experience some level of swelling and bruising in the area. The first 2-3 days are usually the worst for most patients.
Large inguino-scrotal bladder hernias commonly present with lower urinary tract symptoms and may cause severe complications, including bladder incarceration or necrosis, bladder hemorrhage, obstructive or neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and even renal failure.
Postoperative complications
If you had general anesthesia, you may feel drowsy or nauseated for a temporary period of time that may last 12 to 24 hours. If you have trouble urinating 6-8 hours after your operation, let the tap water run to instigate urination.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine. You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open. Bright red blood has soaked through your bandage.
The causes of urinary retention are related to either a blockage that partially or fully prevents urine from leaving your bladder or urethra, or your bladder not being able to maintain a strong enough force to expel all the urine.