Early catheter removal vs. conventional practice in patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate

A retrospective analysis of 127 of 146 consecutive patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate from February 1985 to January 1988 (3-year period) was performed. The catheter was removed on postoperative day 1 in 66 patients (group I) and on postoperative day 2 in 61 patients (group II). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of population age, weight of resected glands, operative time, and management. Both groups I and II had 8 complications following catheter removal. Postoperative hospital stay was reduced by an average of 1.37 days in group I. Total hospital cost was reduced by approximately $466.00. We conclude that catheter removal on postoperative day 1 is safe with no added morbidity while having the advantage of reduced hospital costs.