Effectiveness of suprapubic temperature stimulation for postoperative urinary retention: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a common perioperative complication that can cause delayed mobilisation and discharge, and increase the need for catheterisation. Suprapubic temperature stimulation is a simple bedside, nurse-led approach but its effectiveness and safety have not been synthesised in a focused review.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will systematically search PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CENTRAL from inception to the final search date, without language or date restrictions and will also screen trial registries and grey literature. We will include randomised controlled trials evaluating suprapubic temperature stimulation for prevention or treatment of POUR, compared with usual care, sham/no intervention or other non-thermal strategies. Two reviewers will independently screen studies, extract data and assess risk of bias using RoB 2, with arbitration by a third reviewer. Where appropriate, we will pool effects using ORs for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences or standardised mean differences for continuous outcomes, each with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the χ2 test and I2 statistic, with planned subgroup analyses by thermal modality and timing, and sensitivity analyses based on risk of bias. Certainty of evidence will be appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review will be based on previously published studies; therefore, ethics approval is not required. Data searching will commence in June 2026 and is expected to be completed in January 2027. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publication and academic conference presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD420261325021.