Catheter drainage after gynecologic surgery: a comparison of methods.

A constant challenge for the gynecologist is to restore normal micturition after surgical procedures that involve the bladder, especially operations for pelvic relaxation and/or stress incontinence. These procedures should not be further complicated by the method used for postoperative bladder drainage. One hundred such cases in private practice, of either vaginal plastic or Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz-Burch procedures, are presented to compare experiences with the use of Foley urethral catheters, suprapubic drainage tubes, and a No. 8 feeding tube used as a urethral catheter and sutured to the urethral meatus. The advantages of this so-called mini-catheter are described. It is simple for both physicians and nursing staff to use. There have been no major complications, and the absence of a Foley balloon allows early voiding.