Predictors of catheter-related bladder discomfort after gynaecological surgery

Urinary catheterization is universally used during surgery, and the incidence of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is very high during recovery. We conducted this study to identify the incidence and predictors of postoperative CRBD after gynaecological surgery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

This was a prospective observational study. Patients undergoing gynaecological surgery under general anesthesia with intra-operative urinary catheterization were enrolled. We collected the clinical data, incidence and severity of CRBD, and postoperative pain for the patients. Predictive factors of CRBD were analysed by univariate and multivariate analysis.

A total of 407 patients were included in this study. The incidence of CRBD after gynaecological surgery was 64.6% (mild CRBD: 22.8%; moderate CRBD: 34.2%; and severe CRBD: 7.6%). Univariate analysis showed that age, type of surgery, type of laparoscopic surgery, additional analgesics, and postoperative pain were influencing factors for CRBD. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, age ≥ 50 years, uterus-related laparoscopic surgery, and lack of additional analgesics were independent predictors of moderate or severe CRBD.

This observational study revealed that the incidence of CRBD after gynaecological surgery in PACU was very high. Age ≥ 50 years, uterus-related laparoscopic surgery, and lack of additional analgesics were independent predictors of CRBD.

ChiCTR1800016390. Registered on 30 May 2018.