Comparison of early versus late urethral catheter removal after transurethral resection of the prostate in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia

Aim: Although urethral catheterization for bladder irrigation after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) is an absolute necessity, there is no consensus on the timing of catheter removal, The aim of the present study was to compare the early versus late removal of urethral catheter after TURP as a surgical therapy for severe lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and methods: A total of 91 patients who underwent TURP, after the control of bleeding, were randomized into two groups; early (postop 1-2. days) and late (postop 7. day) removal of the urethral catheter. After surgery all patients were assessed in terms of treatment success (International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life due to urinary symptoms (QoL), uroflowmetry (maximum and average flow rate, and voided volume) and residual urine volume and morbidity (hematuria, infection, urethral stricture, irritative symptoms, requirement of re-operation) in 1, 3 and 6th months. Results: Within the study period, there was no statistical difference in terms of urodynamic studies, complications, IPSS and QoL in both groups. However, at three months maximum and average flow rates were higher in the early catheter removal group than in the late catheter removal group. Although the rate of urethral stricture at the end of the study was similar in both groups, it occured earlier in the early catheter removal group (1 and 3 months, respectively). Conclusion: These results suggest that surgical outcome may be similar regardless of early or late removal of urethral catheter after TURP. We have tried to shed light on a topic without consensus on the time of urethral catheterization after TURP. Keywords: Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), urethral catheter, removal time.