Early urethral catheter removal following radical prostatectomy: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative urethral catheter drainage after radical prostatectomy is bothersome to patients. A pilot study was initiated to determine if urethral catheter removal prior to hospital discharge is feasible.

METHODS

Thirty-three consecutive men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy were prospectively studied and followed for a minimum of 6 months (mean, 8.5). Postoperative cystography was utilized to direct early catheter removal.

RESULTS

Of 33 patients, 27 (82%) underwent successful catheter removal at a mean of 4.2 postoperative days. No patient experienced urinary retention, urinoma development, pelvic abscess, or anastomotic stricture. Urinary continence is excellent (no pads required) in 70% and good (stress incontinence requiring 1 to 2 pads/24 hours) in 18% of patients at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Following radical prostatectomy, early catheter removal prior to hospital discharge is feasible. Early results suggest no deleterious consequences. Prospective monitoring of more patients is needed to determine if this practice is widely applicable.