The effect of urethral catheterization on the level of prostate-specific antigen

BACKGROUND: The normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in patients with urethral catheterization is a controversy. We designed this study to investigate the effect of nontraumatic urethral catheterization without urinary retention on serum PSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients scheduled for urethral catheterization before elective surgeries were randomly selected and included in the study. They were categorized into two age groups: 40–60 years (Group A) and over 60 years (Group B). Total PSA, PSA density, and free/total PSA were assessed before and after catheterization. RESULTS: The PSA levels showed no statistically significant rise after urethral catheterization. The average of PSA level was 1.01 and 1.6 in A and B Groups, respectively, and changed to 1.38 and 1.80 in A and B Groups 1 day after catheterization (P > 0.05). Free/total PSA was 28.75 and 26 in A and B Groups before catheterization and changed to 28.35 and 27.5 in A and B Groups after catheterization (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nontraumatic urethral catheterization has very little effect on PSA level and in patients with urethral catheter routine evaluation of PSA rising should be considered.