Retrograde Bladder Filling after Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Surgery
• Urology
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Postoperative voiding dysfunction and prolonged hospital stays can complicate recovery after gynecologic surgery.
• Optimizing bladder function and discharge timing is crucial for outpatient surgical pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if retrograde bladder filling impacts the time to first postoperative void and hospital discharge.
• To evaluate the effect of a specific bladder filling technique on patient recovery after elective laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
• Patients were randomized to either retrograde bladder filling with saline or standard care before catheter removal.
• Outcomes included time to first void, time to discharge, infection rates, and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Retrograde bladder filling significantly reduced the median time to first void (104 vs. 162 minutes, p <.001).
• Patients receiving retrograde filling experienced faster post-anesthesia care unit discharge (155 vs. 227 minutes, p = .001).
• No significant difference in urinary tract infections or patient satisfaction was observed between groups.

Conclusions:

• Retrograde bladder filling is a safe and effective intervention following outpatient laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
• This technique significantly shortens the time to first void and reduces overall hospital stay.
• The findings support the routine use of retrograde bladder filling to enhance patient recovery and efficiency.