Decision-making around removal of indwelling urinary catheters after pituitary surgery

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a common complication following pituitary surgery, causing significant health issues if left untreated. As part of the diagnostic process, accurate urinary output monitoring via indwelling urinary catheters (IDUCs) is essential, despite risks such as urinary tract infections and hindered recovery. Research on IDUC removal after pituitary surgery remains scarce.

To explore health professionals' perspectives on IDUC management following pituitary surgery.

Employing a qualitative design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 professionals in the neurosurgical ward of a Dutch academic hospital.

Four themes emerged: Concerns about missing identifying DI, patient-nurse dynamics, workload management, and lack of shared decision making.

The findings underscore the need to balance clinical needs with patient care efficiency. There is a need for evidence-based guidelines and a multidisciplinary approach to optimise IDUC management, given the importance of patient-centred care and shared decision-making.