Acute urinary retention associated with herpes zoster involving the lumbar and sacral spinal ganglia has been observed and reported in the American and European literature. Here we present the case of a 73 year old white male with the typical vesicles of herpes zoster in the distribution of the first, second, and third sacral dermatomes. Residual urine was between three and ten ounces on three determination. He was treated with indwelling catheter drainage and urinary antiseptics until resolution of the skin lesions and loss of hyperesthesia, at which time he voided well. In the American literature three males in their 40’s with similar histories and hospital courses are reported. In one case reported in the British literature the patient underwent transurethral resection, probably unnecessarily, because postoperatively, he was able to void only after resolution of the cutaneous lesions. The importance of this condition is stressed because the physician who is aware of it may save a patient from unnecessary prostatic surgery.