We performed urologic evaluations and urodynamic studies on 40 patients before and 2 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after radical abdominal hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Preoperative findings were mostly within normal limits. Fourteen days after surgery, all patients had small, spastic bladders and 68% had residual urine. Bladder sensation was impaired in all patients at 2 weeks and in 63% after 1 year. The average bladder capacity was 400 ml before surgery, 180 ml at 2 weeks, 350 ml at 6 months, and 460 ml at 1 year. One year postoperatively, no patient had residual urine, but 17.5% had asymptomatic bacteriuria, 17.5% had bladder trabeculation, 62.5% had abnormal compliance, and 85% used abdominal straining to void. Three patients developed overflow incontinence and 8 women developed urodynamic stress incontinence. Most patients were tolerant of the observed dysfunction.