Short-term versus long-term catheterization after vaginal prolapse surgery.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Utero-vaginal prolapse frequently necessitates vaginal operations.
• Reducing catheterization duration can lower healthcare costs by shortening hospital stays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of 24-hour versus 72-hour in-dwelling catheter removal after vaginal operations on recatheterization, asymptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs), and hospital stay.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, comparative hospital-based study involving 100 women undergoing vaginal operations.
• Group A: catheter removed after 24 hours; Group B: catheter removed after 72 hours.
• Statistical analysis using Chi-square test to assess associations between catheterization duration and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Recatheterization occurred in 6% of Group A vs. 0% in Group B (P=0.241).
• Mean hospital stay was 3.42 days (Group A) vs. 4.48 days (Group B).
• Asymptomatic UTIs occurred in 18% (Group A) vs. 30% (Group B) (P=0.16). Bacterial culture positivity was significantly lower in Group A (14% vs. 44%, P=0.001).

Conclusions:

• Early removal of urinary catheters (24 hours) after vaginal surgery decreases mean catheterization time, hospital stay, and asymptomatic UTIs.
• Despite a potential increase in recatheterization, early catheter removal offers significant benefits in managing patients post-anterior colporrhaphy.