Elements for Trial Without Catheter (TWOC) Success in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients: Lessons We Have Learned.

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a progressive disease that causes low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). As prostatic volume grows, the prostatic urethra may become completely obstructed, resulting in full urine retention and acute hypogastric pain. Our research aimed to identify the optimal trial without catheter (TWOC) therapeutic approach and identify those factors that are associated with the recurrence of complete urinary retention (CUR).

METHODOLOGY

The study enrolled with complete urinary retention and BPH were included in the study, after the insertion of a Foley catheter. The patients received tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day as an alpha-blocker treatment. In our investigation, patients who encountered complete urinary retention were randomly categorized into four groups based on the duration of urinary catheterization as determined by the attending urologist.

RESULTS

Maintaining the urethrovesical catheter for three to seven days was related to the highest success of spontaneous urination, which was statistically significant compared to other study groups. (p=0.0007). Age over 70 years, no alpha-blocker before the urinary retention episode, and prostatic volume exceeding 50 ml were all associated with decreased TWOC efficacy. We found the highest rates of spontaneous urination were after three to seven days of urinary catheterization.

CONCLUSION

BPH and complete urine retention can be managed by TWOC in many cases. Several factors affect the test's efficacy. Prolonged urinary catheter maintenance over seven days, prostatic volume over 50 ml, and age over 70 years are poor prognostic indicators.