Changes in lower urinary tract symptoms before and after using an indwelling urethral catheter

Aim: The purpose of this study was to clarify changes in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) before and after the use of indwelling urethral catheters. Methods: Subjects were 39 inpatients (13 males and 26 females) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Lower urinary tract symptoms was measured by using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Demographic variables, abdominal pain, quality of life (QOL), and anxiety were also measured. Results: On admission, 84.6% (n = 36) of subject had LUTS, and 71.8% (n = 28) of subject still had LUTS even after use of the catheter. We found no correlation between LUTS and physical or psychological factors. Quality of life because of urinary symptoms was poor in patients with LUTS. After the use of catheters, IPSS decreased (P < 0.01), and in six cases, subjects exhibited intensified LUTS. Conclusions: The IPSS score significantly decreased in this group of participants after the removal of the indwelling urethral catheter. However, we must assess the LUTS of all patients who did or do not have a chief urinary compliant when the indwelling urethral catheter is/was used because there were many inpatients with LUTS, and the QOL because of LUTS was low in patients. Moreover, there were six patients whose symptoms of LUTS deteriorated after the use of a catheter. We could not find the causes of worsening symptoms of LUTS. It is necessary to investigate the long‐term effects following the use of the indwelling urethral catheter. In future, we have to thoroughly examine patients with severe LUTS and other diseases, which require essential treatment.