Cadaveric renal transplant recipients can safely tolerate removal of bladder catheters within 48 h of transplant.

The ideal time to remove urinary catheters after renal transplantation has not been thoroughly established. It remains unclear whether the anastomosis is actually protected with prolonged bladder catheterization. In addition, the incidence of urinary tract infections may increase with prolonged catheterization. A series of 57 consecutive deceased donor renal transplants was retrospectively reviewed for outcomes associated with duration of bladder catheterization. Removing urinary catheters within 48 h post-transplant showed no increase in undesirable outcomes, and very likely improved patient satisfaction.