Feasibility of early catheter removal after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to determine if early (1 week) removal of the urethral catheter after radical prostatectomy is feasible.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty patients underwent surgery from 1992 to 1999. Of the 78 patients with analyzable results, 22 (28%) had the catheter removed after 3 weeks (group 1) and 56 (72%) after 1 week (group 2).

RESULTS

Median follow-up of 49 months revealed no mortality or major morbidity in the two groups of patients. Urinary functions were satisfactory and similar in both groups of patients. Group 2 patients had an improved continence rate of 92%, achieving full continence at 3 months, compared to 59% for group 1. The mean duration of hospitalization of 8.2 days for group 2 was better than the 12.1 days for group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Early removal of the catheter after radical prostatectomy was feasible, did not impose any short- or long-term morbidity, and may offer some benefits.