Postoperative urinary retention (UR) is a common complication following haemorrhoidectomy. This report presents a female
patient who developed long-lasting UR after haemorrhoidectomy and internal sphincterotomy, which progressed to renal failure.
The precipitating cause was represented by a non-healing anal ulcer and excruciating anal pain at evacuation. An unhealed
anal wound, an inappropriate low-fibre diet, and excruciating anal pain commonly represent the key factors initiating the
sequence ending into UR. History, presentation, diagnostic work-up, and treatment for this patient are described.
Key words Urinary retention - Renal failure - Haemorrhoidectomy - Internal sphincterotomy
Received: 1 May 2001 / Accepted: 4 June 2001