• Liz Dixon, Lucia M Dolan, Karen Brown, and Paul Hilton.
• Urogynaecology, Newcastle-upon‑Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
• Br J Nurs. 2010 Oct 14;19(18):S7-13.

ObjectiveTo compare the use of intermittent urethral catheterization with indwelling suprapubic catheterization in women undergoing surgery for urodynamic stress incontinence or uterovaginal prolapse.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingTertiary referral urogynaecology unit.PopulationWomen undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence.MethodsWomen were randomized into one of two groups. Group 1 had bladder drainage using a suprapubic catheter inserted in theatre. The catheter was left on free drainage for 48 hours post-operatively before clamping. Group 2 was catheterized intermittently post-operatively.Main Outcome MeasuresLength of post-operative hospital stay: time to resume normal voiding (defined as voided volumes greater than 200 mls and residual urine volumes less than 100 mls on three occasions); number of urinary tract infections (UTIs); catheterization costs; patient experience (determined from questionnaire); and a pain score.Results75 women were randomized; 38 to suprapubic catheterization; 37 to intermittent catheterization. Three were withdrawn from study, leaving 36 women in each group. Groups were closely matched for age and type of surgery undertaken. Length of hospital stay and total duration of catheterization were both significantly shorter for the intermittent catheterization group; although there was no difference in the rate of UTI between the two groups. There was no clear patient preference for a specific catheterization method.ConclusionsThe use of intermittent catheterization following urogynaecological surgery is associated with a more rapid return to normal micturition and a shorter hospital stay, although the clinical significance of the difference is perhaps limited.

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