A retrospective, descriptive study at the National Institute of Perinatology (INPer), was carried out. 401 records of patients with stress urinary incontinence who underwent surgical treatment, were reviewed. The objective of this study was to know the urinary retention rate. Urinary retention was present in 103 of 401 patients (25.68%). In modified Pereyra's procedure it was present in 67 of 195 (34.35%); in modified Burch's procedure, in 25 of 131 (19.08%); in Kelly's procedure in 9 of 70 (12.85%) and in 2 of 5 patients with sling procedure with polytetrafluoroethylene (Goretex). The problem of urinary retention was observed more frequently in vaginal surgery (modified Pereyra procedure and/or sling procedure).