SYSTEMATIC REMOVAL OF CATHETER 48 HOURS FOLLOWING TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION AND 24 HOURS FOLLOWING TRANSURETHRAL INCISION OF PROSTATE - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED ANALYSIS OF 213 PATIENTS

The interval before removal of the catheter used in prostatic transurethral surgery depends to a great extent on the surgeon, with a frequently empirical orientation. We conducted a prospective, randomized and controlled study of 213 patients who underwent transurethral surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The catheter was removed systematically 24 hours after transurethral incision and 48 hours after transurethral resection of the prostate (group 1-52 and 54 patients, respectively) or the catheterization interval was determined by each surgeon in accordance with the usual criteria (group 2-52 and 55 patients, respectively). No statistically significant differences were noted between these 2 groups in regard to complications. We conclude that systematic removal of the catheter at the aforementioned periods is cost-effective, safe and comfortable for the patient.