Comparison of Early Versus Late Urethral Catheter Removal After Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Abstract

Objective: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered the standard in the surgical therapy of lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). However, there is no consensus on the timing of catheter removal. In this study, we aimed to compare the long-term effects of early and delayed removal of urethral catheters who underwent TURP. 
 Methods: We prospectively analyzed a total of 91 patients who underwent TURP. Patients were randomized into two groups; the early (postop 1st-2nd days) and delayed (7th day) removal of the urethral catheter. After the surgery in 1, 3, and 6th months, we evaluated all patients regarding treatment success. In addition, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume, and morbidities (hematuria, infection, urethral stricture, irritative symptoms, need for re-operation) were assessed at all visits.
 Results: After TURP, there was no statistical difference in urodynamic parameters, complications, IPSS, and QoL in both groups. Only in the 3rd-month, the maximum flow rate was higher in favor of the early group. Despite similar results in both groups, strictures occurred earlier in the early group than delayed group (respectively 1 and 3 months). 
 Conclusion: These results suggest that there are no differences in efficacy and complications in groups of early or delayed urethral catheter removal after TURP. The results of long-term studies with large series should be awaited to reach a more definite conclusion. We have tried to shed light on a topic without consensus on the time of urethral catheterization after TURP.