Background The pontine micturition center, commonly known as Barrington's nucleus (BN), controls micturition through projections to pre-sympathetic output (PSO) and pre-parasympathetic output (PPO) neurons in spinal cord. As the main complication after surgery, postoperative urine retention could affect postoperative recovery and is mostly due to anesthesia. Objective This review focus on an overview of Barrington's nucleus regulating the central nervous system of urinary retention after anesthesia. Content It is elaborated in the following aspects: the distribution of sympathetic/parasympathetic neurons in Barrington's nucleus, the properties of synapses and membrane, the regulation of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitter, the relationship with urinary function. Trend Patients' urinary function is affected after anesthesia, thus leading to urinary retention and influencing postoperative recovery. Barrington's nucleus (BN), known as the pontine micturition center, plays a very important role in regulating the urinary function. Fully understanding the distribution and characteristics of neuronal in Barrington's nucleus, and clarifying its central mechanism of regulating urinary function are to provide novel therapeutic strategies for clinical treatment.