Awareness of the problem of urinary retention following operations for benign anorectal diseases is essential in decreasing the incidence of bladder catheterization. A substantial decrease in the incidence of urinary retention in this study can be clearly attributed to fluid restriction—preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively. Delaying catheterization until the bladder is obviously distended will help decrease the incidence of catheterization. Packing of the anorectum and type of anesthesia are not significant factors in the cause of urinary retention. Compared with other anorectal procedures, hemorrhoidectomy carries a higher incidence of postoperative urinary retention.