This study aims to identify variables associated with successful voiding before hospital discharge in women undergoing urinary stress incontinence (USI) surgery. Medical records of women who underwent USI surgery between July 1997 and October 2005 were reviewed. Demographic, urodynamic, and perioperative data were recorded. The primary outcome was successful voiding at hospital discharge. Univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed (SPSS 12.0/SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). The two groups, successful vs unsuccessful voiders, were similar in age, postmenopausal status, and prior hysterectomy/incontinence/prolapse surgery. Burch colposuspension was performed in 82% and pubovaginal sling in 18% of women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age < 45 years (OR 2.6), sustained detrusor contraction (OR 4.4), and Burch colposuspension (OR 2.9) were positively associated with early successful voiding. Early successful voiding was associated with age < 45 years, sustained detrusor contraction, and Burch colposuspension. These data may facilitate preoperative counseling in women undergoing USI surgery.