Shortening Indwelling Catheterization After Vaginal Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Results from a Prospective...

Background/Objectives: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition affecting women. When conservative treatment fails, surgical correction is indicated. Anterior colporrhaphy (AC) is a standard procedure for anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair. Postoperatively, an indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) is typically inserted to prevent urinary retention; however, prolonged catheterization is a known risk factor for urinary tract infection (UTI). This study aimed to evaluate whether postoperative catheterization can be safely shortened from 4 days to 24 h after vaginal POP surgery, and to compare the incidence of urinary retention and UTI between the two groups. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted, including 119 patients scheduled for AC for POP repair. All patients received an IUC after surgery and were randomized to catheter removal after either 24 h (group 1) or 4 days (group 2). Urinary retention was defined as a postvoid residual volume > 200 mL after IUC removal. UTI was diagnosed based on typical symptoms and a positive urine culture (≥10⁵ CFU/mL). Results: Data from 80 patients were analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in catheter reinsertion rates (15% in group 1 vs. 7.5% in group 2, p = 0.288). The incidence of urinary retention was not influenced by the use of Kelly sutures, concomitant procedures, or patient age. No UTIs were confirmed in either group. Median hospital stay was significantly shorter in group 1 (3 [2-4] days vs. 4 [4-4] days, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Short-term catheterization following anterior colporrhaphy is not associated with increased risk of urinary retention or infection. Reducing catheterization duration results in a shorter hospital stay, which may lower healthcare costs and improve patient throughput.