This report describes two cases of urinary stress incontinence secondary to mesh repair of large abdominal hernias. Both patients had never experienced urinary incontinence before their hernia repair. In both cases, polypropylene nets were inserted to stabilise the abdominal wall. Immediately after the intervention, both patients became stress incontinent. Probably pressure transmission to the pelvic floor was increased due to stabilisation of the abdominal wall, which worked as a "windpipe" before surgery. After the insertion of suburethral tapes the incontinence resolved.