Retropubic, hypotensive, no-catheter prostatectomy: a review of 100 cases

One hundred patients underwent retropubic prostatectomy. Hypotensive anaesthesia was used and urethral catheters were not used routinely in the post-operative period. Operative and post-operative blood losses were greater than anticipated, especially when compared with the blood lost by patients who have balloon catheters left in place after this operation. The absence of a catheter in the post-operative period did not result in a significant reduction in the rate of urine infection. Fourteen patients required catheterisation after operation for suprapubic leakage of urine and obstruction of the urethra by blood clot. Clot retention did not occur. There were 2 deaths in the series. Sixty-seven patients were discharged on the sixth post-operative day.