Background Inguinal hernia repair, laparoscopic or open, is one of the most frequently performed operations in general surgery. Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) can occur in 0.2–35% of patients after inguinal hernia repair. The primary objective of this study was to determine the incidence of POUR after inguinal hernia repair. As a secondary goal, we sought to determine if perioperative and patient factors predicted urinary retention. Methods This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair with synthetic mesh at the Medical College of Wisconsin from January 2007 to June 2012. Procedures were performed by four surgeons. Clinical information and perioperative outcomes were collected up to hospital discharge. Urinary retention was defined as need for urinary catheterization post-operatively. Results A total of 192 patients were included in the study (88 bilateral, 46%) and (104 unilateral, 54%). The majority of subjects (76%) underwent laparoscopic repair. The overall POUR rate was 13%, with 25 of 192 patients requiring a Foley catheter prior to discharge POUR was significantly associated with bilateral hernia repairs (p=0.04), BMI≥35kg/m2 (p=0.05) and longer operative times (p=0.03). Based on odds ratio estimates, for every 10-minute increase in operative time, an 11% increase in the odds of urinary retention is expected (OR 1.11, CI 1.004 – 1.223; p=0.04). For every 10-minute increase in operative time, an 11% increase in POUR is expected. Conclusions Bilateral hernia repairs, BMI ≥ 35kg/m2, and operative time are significant predictors of POUR. These factors are important to determine potential risk to patients and interventions such as strict fluid administration, use of catheters, and potential premedication.

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Level III.