Postoperative catheterization after anterior colporrhaphy: 2 versus 5 days. A multicentre randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to compare the number of temporary catheter replacements and urinary tract infections after indwelling catheterization for 2 versus 5 days following an anterior colporrhaphy. METHODS: Two hundred forty-six patients were randomly assigned to 2 or 5 days of indwelling catheterization. Outcome measures were temporary catheter replacements because of post-voiding residual >200 mL after removal of the indwelling catheter, urinary tract infections, and hospital stay. All patients were analyzed according to the intention to treat principle. RESULTS: Compared to the 5-day protocol group, in the 2-day protocol group more patients needed temporary catheter replacement (9% versus 28%, odds ratio (OR) 4.0, confidence interval (CI) 1.9–8.3, p < 0.01), whereas less patients had a urinary tract infection (37% versus 22%, OR 0.5, CI 0.3–0.9, p = 0.02) and median hospital stay was lower. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of an indwelling catheter after 2 versus 5 days following anterior colporrhaphy is associated with more temporary catheter replacements, but less urinary tract infections and a shorter hospital stay.