Effect of transurethral indwelling catheter on serum prostate-specific antigen level in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Objectives. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the influence of indwelling transurethral catheters on the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We compared the PSA values of preoperatively catheterized and noncatheterized patients. Methods. Ninety patients undergoing a prostatectomy for benign disease were included. The indwelling catheter (IC) group and noncatheterized (NC) group each consisted of 45 patients. A total of 83 patients who did not have prostate carcinoma were analyzed by means of PSA, PSA density (PSAD), and pathologic presentations. Prostate pathologies that might elevate PSA values were excluded to demonstrate the correlation of PSA levels and standard urethral catheterization. Results. A statistically significant relationship was determined between an indwelling urethral catheter and an elevated serum PSA value. The average PSA level of the IC group was 2.6 times that of the NC group. Conclusions. PSA, PSAD, and age-adjusted PSA levels were elevated above normal ranges in patients with BPH who had an indwelling urethral catheter. Copyright 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc.