Voiding after gynecologic surgery: Experience with 24-hour Foley catheterization

Postoperative voiding was studied in 227 gynecologic patients after the introduction of a new routine of 24-hour Foley catheterization in all patients. After catheter removal 85% of patients (laparotomy 88.2%, colposuspension 85.2% and vaginal plastic surgery 80.3%) were able to void spontaneously, with residual urine <100 ml. 13.7% of patients had intermittent catheterization 1–3 times (mean 1.6) but established satisfactory voiding before evening. Altogether 98.7% of patients (laparotomy 99%, colposuspension 98.1%, vaginal surgery 98.6%) voided adequately before the end of the first postoperative day. One patient in each group had prolonged retention and required 3–63 days before voiding normally. The differences in retention rates between the three surgical groups were not statistically significant. The regimen of 24-hour postoperative Foley catheterization followed by intermittent catheterization if required is convenient and may be recommended after all common gynecologic operations.