Is my husband's urinary retention after hip surgery reversible?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

This situation is quite common in older men after major surgeries like hip replacement, especially when there is pre-existing prostate enlargement (BPH).

Factors such as anesthesia, pain medications, reduced mobility, and swelling around the prostate can all contribute to urinary retention.

Many patients are unable to urinate on their own for weeks and may require intermittent catheterization, just like your husband.

To address your two questions:

1. Yes, as I mentioned earlier, this is a common occurrence for the reasons explained above.
2. In most cases, yes. Given that he has a clear cause of an enlarged prostate, once he undergoes TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate), the blockage will be removed, and most men are able to void normally again. Some men may even begin to regain the ability to urinate before the surgery as the body recovers from the hip operation, but this can be unpredictable.

I suggest the following for your husband:

1. Continue with intermittent catheterization as advised.
2. Ensure he stays well-hydrated.
3. Monitor for symptoms such as fever, burning sensation during urination, or foul-smelling urine, as these could indicate a possible urinary tract infection (UTI).

TURP is typically scheduled for three months after hip surgery because performing it earlier can increase the risk of infection in the new hip joint.

Overall, the prognosis for him to regain the ability to void on his own is very encouraging.

If you need further assistance with medications, please send me his ultrasound report.

I hope I have addressed all your questions. If there is anything else, please let me know.

Thank you.