• R A Hakvoort, R Elberink, A Vollebregt, T Ploeg, and M H Emanuel.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Spaarne Hospital, Haarlem, The Netherlands.
• BJOG. 2004 Aug 1; 111 (8): 828-30.

ObjectiveTo determine whether prolonged urinary bladder catheterisation after vaginal prolapse surgery is advantageous.DesignRandomised controlled trial.SettingA large training hospital in the Netherlands.PopulationPatients undergoing anterior colporrhaphy.MethodsOne hundred patients were included. Patients were randomised into two groups. In one group (n= 50), a transurethral catheter was in place for four days post-operatively and removed on the fifth post-operative day. In the other group (n= 50), catheterisation was not prolonged and the catheter was removed the morning after surgery. Residual volumes after removal of the catheter were measured by ultrasound scanning. Where residual volumes of >200 mL were found the patient was recatheterised for three more days. Urinary cultures were taken before removal of the catheter. Six patients were excluded: four in the standard prolonged catheterisation group and two in the not prolonged catheterisation group.Main Outcome MeasuresNeed for recatheterisation, urinary tract infection, mean duration of catheterisation and hospital stay.ResultsResidual volumes exceeding 200 mL and need for recatheterisation occurred in 9% in the standard prolonged catheterisation group versus 40% of patients in the not prolonged catheterisation group (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.045-0.47). Positive urine cultures were found in 40% of cases in the standard prolonged catheterisation group compared with 4% in the not prolonged catheterisation group (OR 15, 95% CI 3.2-68.6). Mean duration of catheterisation was 5.3 days in the standard prolonged catheterisation group and 2.3 days in the not prolonged catheterisation group (P < 0.001). Mean duration of hospitalisation was 7 days in the standard prolonged catheterisation group and 5.7 days in the not prolonged group (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe disadvantages of prolonged catheterisation outweigh the advantages, therefore, removal of the catheter on the morning after surgery may be preferable and longer term catheterisation should only be undertaken where there are specific indications.

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