Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Photoselective Vaporesection of the Prostate via an End-firing Lithium Triborate Crystal Laser
Published on: May 9, 2018
Postoperative Urinary Complications in Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstructive Surgery
Kimberly Chan1, Allison Keane2, Sandeep Pradhan3
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the postoperative urinary complications and the optimal timing of foley catheter removal in patients who underwent free flap reconstructive surgery for head and neck pathology.
Methods:
A retrospective case-control study of head and neck patients who underwent free flap reconstructive surgery at a single institution between January 2009 and December 2021 was conducted. Patient risk factors for postoperative urinary retention (POUR) were analyzed. Fisher Exact and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used to evaluate rates of foley replacement, straight catheterization, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and associated risk factors.
Results:
Two hundred and eleven patients were included in this study. Older age, lower BMI, lower intraoperative fluid volumes, and need for straight catheterization were statistically significant for POUR requiring foley replacement. Shorter total (P = .04) and postoperative (P = .01) foley duration showed statistical significance for POUR requiring straight catheterization. About 60% of patients who had straight catheterization required a foley replacement (P < .001). Only one patient (0.5%) developed a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Conclusion:
Foley catheter duration impacts the risk of POUR requiring straight catheterization and subsequently, foley replacement. Optimal timing for foley catheter removal in the postoperative period remains to be elucidated. Removal of catheters between 21 and 48 hours after surgery may decrease the risk of POUR without increasing the rate of CAUTI in patients with head and neck pathology undergoing free flap reconstructive surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...

