What factor may contribute to urinary retention post-surgery?

Urinary retention post-surgery can be significantly influenced by the presence of prostate problems. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men that can obstruct urinary flow, leading to retention. When patients undergo surgery, particularly those that affect the pelvic region or involve anesthesia, there can be added pressure on the urinary tract or alterations in the body's normal urge to void, making existing prostate issues more pronounced. Anesthesia can also affect the nerves that control bladder function, compounding the risk of retention for individuals with prostate conditions.

The other factors, while they may impact urinary function in different contexts, do not directly relate to the immediate risk of urinary retention post-surgery in the same way prostate issues do. For instance, although older age might contribute to various urinary difficulties, it is the underlying health conditions, such as prostate problems, that are more tightly linked to urinary retention in the perioperative setting. Similarly, surgeries on the limbs and a high body mass index may have other implications for surgical recovery but are less directly connected to urinary retention.