Validation of a scoring system to predict bladder dysfunction after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Early urinary catheter removal is a growing trend in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.
• Bladder dysfunction and re-catheterization are potential complications following early removal.
• A predictive scoring system was previously developed to identify at-risk patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a previously developed scoring system for predicting bladder dysfunction.
• To assess the system's effectiveness in determining patient suitability for early urinary catheter removal post-laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 234 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery (Jan 2016 - Dec 2019).
• Patients were stratified into low-risk (catheter removal day 1) and high-risk (catheter removal day 5) groups based on the predictive score.
• Post-catheter removal management followed institutional protocols.

Main Results:

• 130 patients (55.6%) were classified as low-risk.
• Overall bladder dysfunction incidence was 8.5% in the low-risk group and 13.5% in the high-risk group.
• The scoring system demonstrated good performance in differentiating patient risk.

Conclusions:

• The developed scoring system is a valid tool for predicting bladder dysfunction.
• It effectively identifies patients suitable for early urinary catheter removal after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.
• The system aids in optimizing urinary catheter management strategies.