EARLY CATHETER REMOVAL - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF 100 CONSECUTIVE PATIENTS UNDERGOING TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE

Objective To determine whether early catheter removal after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURF) leads to early hospital discharge with no increase in complications. Patients and methods From October 1992 50 consecutive patients undergoing TURF in each of two hospitals were catheterized for <24 h or >36-48 h after the operation. Patients were followed up to assess the frequency and extent of post-operative complications. Results The two groups, which were standardized as far as possible, had a similar outcome whether the catheter was removed within 24 h or >36 h after TURP. Conclusion Brief catheter drainage after TURF is safe and allows an earlier discharge from hospital than the standard duration of catheterization.