A retrospective study of the functional alteration of the urethra following hysterectomy was made in 98 patients. Three groups were identified. Sixty per cent (group A) had stable stress urinary incontinence, 27.8% (group B) had high pressure detrusor instability and 12.2% (group C) had voiding dysfunction. Some of the patients in group A were treated medically and others surgically. Those in group B were treated with oxybutinin and those in group C were treated surgically. The cure rate in group A ranged from 55 to 89%; in group B it was 82% and in group C between 90 and 100%.