Postoperative bladder training

A group of 87 women who had either a retropubic suspension or anterior colporraphy with or without hysterectomy were studied to determine an optimal method of postoperative bladder training to facilitate recovery of normal bladder function. All patients received suprapubic catheters but 43 women had their catheters on constant open drainage while the remaining 44 patients were placed on an intermittent clamping regimen which was begun on the first postoperative day. The method of catheter management was selected randomly. Subgroups based on the operative procedure performed, patient age, and the presence or absence of postoperative infection were examined. In all groups of patients studied, those undergoing early intermittent clamping resumed normal micturition earlier than those who did not. It is recommended that this technique be utilized routinely in this group of patients to shorten the interval of time during which bladder drainage is required.