A comparison of outcomes of transurethral versus suprapubic catheterization after Burch cystourethropexy

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with transurethral vs suprapubic catheterization after Burch cystourethropexy. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who had an anti-incontinence procedure primarily including Burch cystourethropexy with hysterectomy or Burch alone between July 1997 and June 2002 and comparing the outcomes of transurethral vs suprapubic catheters. The suprapubic and transurethral catheter placed were both 16-Fr Foley catheters. The variables analyzed were length of hospital stay, length of catheterization, postoperative fever, and urinary tract infection. The number of postoperative visits and complications within each group were also compared. Analysis was done utilizing Fishers exact test and Wilcoxons rank-sum analysis when indicated. We analyzed the charts of 217 patients. The outcomes of surgery (i.e., blood loss, postoperative morbidity, incidence of urinary tract infection, length of hospital stay) in each group did not statistically differ. There was a significant difference in length of cauterization: 7.1 days for the transurethral group and 9.61 days for the suprapubic group, a 1.79 day difference (p=0.001) and a difference in the number of visits for complaints of pain, 2.5 visits for the suprapubic group, 3.5 visits for the transurethral group (p=0.01). There were no differences in outcomes whether a transurethral or suprapubic catheter was used. There was a significant difference in duration of catheterization and extra visits to the clinic or hospital with a practitioner for the complaint of pain. Patients with a transurethral catheter had on the average one more visit than those with the suprapubic catheter.No financial support was received for any part of this projectEditorial Comment: The issue of transurethral vs suprapubic bladder drainage after open Burch urethropexy has been investigated in the past. Theofrastous et al. performed a randomized trial looking at this issue and concluded there was no difference in the mean duration of catheterization, hospital duration or rates of cystitis [1]. Retrospective studies on this issue are biased, and numerous confounding variables need to be accounted for including previous bladder surgery, urodynamic parameters, degree of tensioning of the colposuspension sutures, anesthetic protocols and use of intra- and post-op antibiotics.     

Prospective randomized controlled trial of urethral versus suprapubic catheterization

Sixty-six patients requiring catheterization in the course of general surgical operations were randomly allocated into two groups. Of the 34 patients catheterized urethrally 16 developed urinary tract infections whereas of the 32 suprapubically catheterized patients only 2 developed an infection (P less than 0.001). Five patients required recatheterization after removal of their urethral catheters. There were no major complications associated with the use of suprapubic catheters. We propose that, when catheterization is required during a general surgical procedure, the suprapubic route is to be preferred.     

The role of bladder catheterization in total knee arthroplasty

The use of a urinary bladder catheter in the perioperative period for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty is controversial. In the current study, two bladder management protocols were studied. One group of patients had an indwelling catheter inserted into the bladder before total knee arthroplasty. The other group of patients was observed and treated for urinary retention as necessary. From 1993 to 1998, 652 patients undergoing primary, unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomized by surgeon into two groups: one group underwent preoperative insertion of an indwelling bladder catheter (306 patients), and one group (346 patients) had a catheter inserted postoperatively as necessary. Sixty-six percent (229 of 346) of these patients required catheterization (203 had indwelling catheters and 26 had intermittent straight catheters). A urinary tract infection developed in five patients (1.6%) in whom a catheter was inserted preoperatively. A urinary tract infection developed in six patients (1.7%) in whom a catheter was inserted if necessary. Five of these urinary tract infections developed in patients with delayed indwelling bladder catheters. A urinary tract infection did not develop in any patient in whom a straight catheter was inserted. There was no significant difference in the length of stay in the hospital between the two groups. The group in whom a catheter always was inserted generated $491 greater cost for total knee arthroplasty than patients in whom a catheter was inserted if necessary.     

Early catheter removal following transurethral prostatectomy: overnight catheterization

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine the safety and feasibility of catheter removal on the first morning after transurethral prostatectomy. METHODS: Fifty-four patients who underwent transurethral prostatectomy were included in a prospective study. The decision to remove the catheters on the first morning after surgery was based on the color of the catheter effluent, absence of clots, normal vital signs and adequate urine output. Patients who voided successfully were discharged on the same day as catheter removal. RESULTS: Catheters were removed in 43 (79.6%) patients on postoperative day 1. Of these patients 40 (93%) voided successfully, however 3 of them required recatheterization due to bleeding or urinary retention. The criteria for catheter removal were not met in 11 patients and their catheters were removed on postoperative day 2 in 2 and on postoperative day 3 in 9. The mean length of hospital stay after surgery was 1.74 days for the entire group and 1.41 days for those in whom the catheter was removed on postoperative day 1. CONCLUSION: Overnight catheterization after transurethral prostatectomy seems to be a feasible approach without leading to significant morbidity in selected patients.     

Suprapubic catheters: a comparison of suprapubic versus urethral catheters in the treatment of acute urinary retention

Sixty patients presenting with acute urinary retention were randomly allocated to treatment with either suprapubic or urethral catheters. An initial specimen of urine was obtained for bacteriological culture and organism count. Subsequently, repeat specimens of urine were obtained at intervals of 2 days until the catheter was removed. The results of these cultures showed that suprapubic catheters caused less urinary tract infection (P less than 0.05). In addition, suprapubic catheters were more comfortable for the patients, easier to manage and more cost-effective. In patients with suprapubic catheters, their ability to void could be assessed prior to removal of the catheter, thus avoiding the need for recatheterization. It was concluded that patients presenting with acute urinary retention should be routinely treated by drainage using suprapubic catheters.     

The utility of bladder catheterization in total hip arthroplasty

The use of a urinary bladder catheter in patients having a total hip arthroplasty is controversial. Universal insertion of an indwelling catheter before a total hip arthroplasty, and insertion of a catheter postoperatively as necessary, are accepted variations of care. From 1993 to 1999, 719 patients having primary, unilateral total hip arthroplasties were randomized by surgeons into two groups: a group of patients who had universal preoperative insertion of an indwelling bladder catheter (340 patients) and an observation group who had catheterization as needed (379 patients). Catheterization was required for 295 of these 379 patients (77.8%). Patients were followed up using a total hip arthroplasty database, which recorded all complications. Six patients (1.8%) in the universal catheter insertion group had a urinary tract infection develop. Nine patients (2.4%) in the catheter as necessary group had a urinary tract infection develop. There was no significant difference in incidence of urinary tract infections between the two groups. Female gender and increasing age were associated with a higher incidence of urinary tract infection in both groups. The average length of stay in the hospital for the universal catheter group was 4.8 days, and the average length of stay for the catheter as necessary group was 4.5 days. There was no significant difference in length of stay in the hospital between the two groups. The universal catheter group had an average 590 dollars higher hospital cost for their total hip arthroplasties, which was significant. Routine preoperative bladder catheterization may not be warranted in patients having total hip arthroplasties. Postoperative catheterization as necessary may be more cost effective.     

Retrospective analysis of traumatic bladder injury: does suprapubic catheterization alter outcome of healing?

The role of suprapubic catheters in traumatic bladder injuries is not well defined. Current literature suggests that suprapubic catheters are only necessary with large intraperitoneal bladder ruptures. The purpose of this study is to show that all bladder injuries can be managed with transurethral catheterization alone with a similar leak rate, morbidity, and healing time. Retrospective analysis was done of all patients with traumatic bladder injuries at a level I urban trauma center from June 1992 through June 2003. Medical records were reviewed and data analyzed according to type of bladder catheterization (i.e., transurethral or suprapubic). All patients with urethral injuries were excluded. Fifty-six patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-seven patients suffered penetrating bladder injuries, and 29 bladder injuries were secondary to blunt trauma. Forty-seven patients were treated with transurethral catheter drainage, two were treated with suprapubic catheters, and seven were treated with both transurethral and suprapubic catheters. Forty patients had follow-up cystograms prior to catheter removal. Of the 47 patients treated with transurethral drainage alone, 3 (6%) developed urinary leaks. Of the 9 patients with suprapubic catheters, 2 (22%) developed urinary leaks. The mean time to removal of transurethral catheters was 15 days. The mean time to removal of suprapubic tubes was also 15 days. All study patients successfully healed their bladder injuries regardless of catheterization method. Suprapubic catheter drainage may increase morbidity without improving healing time. These results effectively support the decision to use transurethral catheter drainage alone in all patients with traumatic bladder injuries.     

Comparison of 1 and 3 days' transurethral Foley catheterization after retropubic incontinence surgery

This prospective study was done to see if reducing transurethral Foley catheterization from 3 days to 1 would lead to fewer urinary tract infections without an increase in voiding problems. Ninety-one women undergoing retropubic surgery for stress urinary incontinence (Burch or Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz) were randomized to either 1 or 3 days' catheterization. Antibiotics were not used. Infection was diagnosed in 9 (20.0%) patients in the 1-day group and in 16 (34.8%) in the 3-day group. Delayed voiding occurred in 13 (28.9%) and 10 (21.7%) patients, respectively, and 5 (11.1%) and 3 (6.5%), respectively, received a new catheter. The differences do not reach statistical significance. Therefore, catheter time may safely be reduced to 1 day. This may lead to fewer infections but also somewhat more voiding problems. If a transurethral catheter is to be used, on balance the two regimens are equivalent.Editorial Comment: The investigators present a simple and clearly defined study on postoperative voiding management, specifically comparing 1 and 3 day's transurethral Foley catheterization after retropubic surgery. The study is limited by insufficient numbers and the possibility of a type II error in comparing such a small difference in length of Foley use (1 versus 3 days), in terms of the incidence of urinary tract infection or voiding dysfunction. In spite of this limitation, the large number of surgeons utilizing transurethral Foley catheterization following retropubic procedures should find this study of interest, as should those who practise in a managed care environment. Removal of the Foley catheter on postoperative day 1 appears to be a viable alternative, as long as adequate bladder emptying is confirmed.     

A prospective randomized trial of the LoFric hydrophilic coated catheter versus conventional plastic catheter for clean intermittent catheterization

PURPOSE: We compared the incidence of hematuria, pyuria and clinical urinary tract infection in patients who performed intermittent self-catheterization using a hydrophilic coated LoFric (Astra Tech AB, M?lndal, Sweden) or standard plastic catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 62 male patients who performed intermittent self-catheterization to manage neurogenic bladder were randomized into 2 treatment groups at 3 American study sites. Outcome measures included urinary tract infection, microhematuria, pyuria and satisfaction rates. RESULTS: Of the 62 enrolled patients 49 completed the 12-month study. The withdrawal rate was not different in the 2 groups. At the end of the study there was statistically significantly less hematuria in the hydrophilic coated catheter group compared with controls. In addition, there was a significant decrease in the urinary tract infection rate from baseline in the hydrophilic coated catheter group but not in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the hydrophilic coated catheter by patients on intermittent self-catheterization is associated with less hematuria and a significant decrease in the incidence of urinary tract infections. Therefore, it may be preferable for some patients, especially those with a history of difficult catheterization, urethral trauma or a high rate of urinary tract infection.     

Clamping short-term indwelling catheters: a systematic review of the evidence.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to determine the effects of clamping short-term indwelling urethral catheters before removal on the incidence of urinary tract infection, time to first void, voiding dysfunction, incidence of recatheterization, and the length of hospital stay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Published and unpublished randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials, completed between January 1966 and July 2004, in English and other languages that compared the effects of clamping short-term indwelling urethral catheters, were systematically reviewed using multiple electronic databases. Determination of eligibility of trials for inclusion in the review, assessment of methodological quality, and data extraction were undertaken independently by 2 reviewers. Relative risks for dichotomous data and a weighted mean difference for continuous data were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Where synthesis was inappropriate, a narrative overview has been undertaken. RESULTS: Three trials that investigated the effect of clamping the indwelling urethral catheter compared to free drainage before removal were eligible for inclusion. Two trials reported no significant difference in the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI), number of patients who developed urinary retention or required recatheterization, and the length of hospital stay between the 2 groups. Another reported that the postvoid residual urine volume for patients who did not receive reconditioning of the bladder increased from 4.25 mL at baseline to 42.25 mL after removal of the indwelling urethral catheter, whereas the residual urine volume for patients who received reconditioning increased from 17.25 mL at baseline to 22 mL at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for clamping indwelling urethral catheters before removal remains equivocal. Given the current state of evidence, procedures relating to clamping of indwelling urinary catheters should not be initiated. Until stronger evidence becomes available, however, practices relating to clamping indwelling urethral catheters will continue to be dictated by local preferences and cost factors.     

A meta-analysis comparing suprapubic and transurethral catheterization for bladder drainage after abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND: Although bladder drainage is widely used for general surgical patients undergoing laparotomy, there is little consensus on whether suprapubic or transurethral catheterization is better. METHOD: A systematic database search was undertaken to find all studies of suprapubic catheterization. Randomized controlled trials were identified for inclusion. Endpoints for analysis were bacteriuria, patient satisfaction and recatheterization rates. A meta-analysis was performed using fixed-effect or random-effect models as appropriate, depending on heterogeneity. RESULTS: After abdominal surgery, transurethral catheterization is associated with significant bacteriuria (relative risk (RR)=2.02, P<0.001, 95 percent confidence interval (c.i.) 1.34 to 3.04) and pain or discomfort (RR=2.94, P=0.004, 95 percent c.i. 1.41 to 6.14). Recatheterization rates using the transurethral method were not increased significantly (RR=1.97, P=0.213, 95 percent c.i. 0.68 to 5.74) with heterogeneity between studies. CONCLUSION: The suprapubic route for bladder drainage in general surgery is more acceptable to patients and reduces microbiological morbidity.     

Evaluation of povidone-iodine as vesical irrigant for treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections

This is a preliminary study evaluating diluted solutions of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) as urinary bladder irrigants for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infection. Diluted povidone-iodine solutions were used as indwelling catheter irrigants and as instillations into the urinary bladder following intermittent catheterization. The diluted PVP-I solutions had no efficacy in either the treatment or prevention of urinary tract infections when used as indwelling urethral or suprapubic catheter irrigants. There was a suggestion of a slight decrease in the incidence of urinary tract infections during the use of PVP-I in the intermittent catheterization group in this uncontrolled study, but the percentage of positive urine cultures was greater than desired. The absence of any unfavorable data has led us to conclude that the diluted PVP-I caused no undesirable side effects in any of the patients treated with this agent. PVP-I bladder irrigation warrants further investigation in special cases such as lower urinary tract fungal infections.     

The effect of early bladder catheterization on the incidence of urinary complications after total joint replacement

A prospective, randomized study was performed in 54 female total arthroplasty patients to determine whether straight catheterization in the recovery room might reduce the incidence of postoperative urinary infection, urinary retention, and urinary catheterization. Thirty-one patients were straight catheterized in the recovery room; 23 were not. Overall, 13% of the patients developed a urinary tract infection postoperatively, 60% of the patients required at least one catheterization, and 13% of the patients required a Foley catheter. No beneficial effect of straight catheterization in the recovery room after arthroplasty was demonstrated.     

Non-invasive measurement of bladder volume as an indication for bladder catheterization after orthopaedic surgery and its effect on urinary tract infections.

A non-invasive ultrasound imaging technique (BladderScan) was used prospectively in an attempt to reduce the need for catheterization of the urinary bladder and the incidence of urinary tract infections after orthopaedic surgery. Over a 4-month period, in which 1920 patients were included, catheterization was performed if there was no spontaneous diuresis by 8 h after surgery. A total of 31% of these patients were catheterized, and 18 patients developed urinary tract infections. In a subsequent 4-month period, there were 2196 patients, catheterization was performed only if the bladder volume was more than 800 mL 8 h after surgery. The rate of catheterization decreased to 16%, and five patients developed urinary tract infections. In our patients, measuring bladder volume reduced the need for a urinary catheter and the likelihood of urinary infection.     

Ureteral catheterization in uncomplicated ureterolithotripsy: a randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term ureteral catheterization in patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy for ureteral calculi. METHODS: Patients (n = 140) with ureteral calculi who were candidates for ureterolithotripsy were enrolled. Stone size was 5-10mm. The operation was performed with an 8-9.8F semirigid ureteroscope without active dilatation and stones were fragmented with a 1F pneumatic lithotrite. Uncomplicated cases (109 patients) were randomized to catheterized (C) and noncatheterized (NC) groups. In the 54 C group patients, a polyurethane catheter (5F) was passed through the ureter after lithotripsy with the end attached to a Foley placed in urethra, which was removed after 24h. Postoperatively, all patients were evaluated for flank and suprapubic pain, renal colic, irritative urinary symptoms, peritonism, frequency of analgesic usage, urinary tract infection, duration of hospitalization, postdischarge visits (due to renal colic/pain), readmission, and residual stone rates. RESULTS: On the first postoperative day, the percentage of patients experiencing flank pain and renal colic was significantly higher in the NC group (76% and 45%) compared with the C group (20% and 2%); 67% of NC patients required analgesic administration during hospital stay versus 20% of C patients (p<0.001). Suprapubic pain and urethral irritation were reported by 13% and 37% of C patients, respectively, and 5% and 4% of NC patients. However, peritonism was developed more often in NC patients (27% vs. 13%). Hospital stay was 1 d for all patients. Three days postoperatively, 40% of NC patients complained of at least one episode of flank pain compared with 7% of C patients (p<0.001). Incidence of urinary tract infections was 4% in NC and 7% in C group patients. Postdischarge visits were necessary in 20% of NC patients and 5% of C patients. No patient in either group required readmission. No complaints were reported nor residual stones discovered on 2-wk follow-up radiographs in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term ureteral catheterization in uncomplicated ureteroscopy and lithotripsy has a role in reducing early postoperative morbidities. It may also decrease pain and colic after discharge.     

Postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) following single-dose intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in colposuspension patients

The records of 196 women who underwent colposuspension for genuine stress incontinence at the Leicester General Hospital, England, between June 1991 and May 1996 were reviewed for evidence of urinary tract infection (UTI). Variables analyzed include age, type of anbibiotic, timing of a positive culture, organism(s) responsible and antibiotic sensitivity. Forty-six patients (23.47%) developed urinary infection; of these, 42 had received single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis with suprapubic catheterization. Thirty-two (76%) of those who developed UTI received augmentin (amoxycillin and clavulanic acid), whereas 10 (24%) were given cefuroxime and metronidazole. Positive cultures were obtained between postoperative days 3 and 28, with a mean of 9.6 days, and 81% occurred after the 7th day. Coliform organisms were responsible for nearly 70% of the infections. UTI is still common after colposuspension, despite single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis. Further studies looking at longer or alternative courses of antibiotics or clean intermittent self-catheterization are essential to establish the best way of curbing UTI in urogynecology patients.Editorial Comment: The authors present a summary of their experience with symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) after colposuspension, the patients having received a single dose of antibiotics preoperatively. Symptomatic urinary tract infections are described with regard to time of onset, length of suprapubic catheterization, pathogen and antibiotic sensitivity. One of the most interesting findings in this cohort of patients is the incidence of UTI over time, with the majority of infections occurring in the second postoperative week, and falling off dramatically thereafter. This is in contrast to the incidence of urinary tract infections with transurethral catheterization, where published experience suggests at 5%–10% increase in positive cultures for every day of transurethral catheterization, and almost universal positive cultures by 30 days. The results question the utility of preoperative single-dose antibiotic therapy in the prevention of UTI following colposuspension. Further investigation is needed to clarify what prophylactic antibiotic regimen is useful in preventing post-colposuspension infection of the lower urinary tract.     

Suprapubic catheter following transurethral resection of the prostate: a way to decrease the number of urethral strictures and improve the outcome of operations.

A prospective, randomized study was done to investigate the role of transurethral catheters in stricture formation after transurethral resection of the prostate. The operative outcome after using transurethral catheters made of 2 different materials compared with suprapubic catheters was also investigated. We studied 344 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. After resection the patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) those drained by a transurethral polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)-coated latex catheter, 2) those drained by a transurethral polyvinylchloride catheter and 3) those drained by a suprapubic polyvinylchloride catheter. At 6 to 24 months the numbers of strictures in the anterior urethra were 10 of 102 and 11 of 102 in the transurethral drainage groups, respectively. The corresponding number of strictures in the suprapubic drainage group was 1 of 94 (p less than 0.01). Strictures in the bladder neck had developed in 5 of 102, 3 of 103 and 3 of 94 patients, respectively (not significant). As a consequence of a lower incidence of strictures in the anterior urethra in the suprapubic drainage group, more patients in that group were satisfied with the results of the operation.     

Nosocomial urinary tract infections: etiology and prevention

Nosocomial urinary tract infections arise mainly after transurethral diagnostic or therapeutic operations and are favored by the raised susceptibility of many hospitalized patients to infection. Besides strict establishment of the indication, attention must be paid above all to proper performance of the catheterization. Standardization disposable sets are helpful in this regard. Choice of the suitable catheter type depends on the requirements of the application, the duration of drainage and on the anatomical conditions. Use of a closed urine drainage system must be part of the clinical standard today as well as mastery of daily catheter hygiene. Under observation of the contraindications, advantage should be taken of suprapubic catheter drainage.     

Postoperative catheterization and prophylactic antimicrobials in children with hypospadias

A prospective study of 78 children who underwent 84 operations for correction of hypospadias was done. Of these, 54 had a transperineal indwelling Foley catheter for ten days after surgery and 30, a transurethral catheter. Forty-five randomly selected children received prophylactic antimicrobial therapy (sulfamethoxazole), and the remaining 39 children served as controls. Incidence of urinary tract infection was significantly higher in the control group (10 of 39) as compared with the treated group (3 of 45) in spite of the higher incidence of vesicoureteral reflux in the treated group. This suggests that prophylactic antimicrobial treatment may prevent urinary tract infection from prolonged indwelling catheterization.     

Initial bladder management in spinal cord injury: does it make a difference?

We classified 204 patients with acute spinal cord injury into 1 of 5 groups according to the initial form of urological management. Group A patients were placed on an intermittent catheterization program within 36 hours of injury, group B received a suprapubic trocar within 36 hours of injury, group C had urethral catheters in place for more than 36 hours before intermittent catheterization was begun, group D was on indwelling urethral catheter drainage throughout the hospitalization and discharged from the hospital with indwelling catheters, and group E was placed on intermittent catheterization in a community hospital. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in the incidence of chills and fever, rate of urinary infections (excluding group D), incidence of upper tract changes, genitourinary complications or frequency of urological procedures at 1 year after injury. We conclude that the method of initial bladder management is relatively unimportant in determining the urological prognosis after spinal cord injury.