OBJECTIVE: To determine whether early catheter removal after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) leads to early hospital discharge with no increase in complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 1992 50 consecutive patients undergoing TURP in each of two hospitals were catheterized for < 24 h or > 36-48 h after the operation. Patients were followed up to assess the frequency and extent of post-operative complications. RESULTS: The two groups, which were standardized as far as possible, had a similar outcome whether the catheter was removed within 24 h or > 36 h after TURP. CONCLUSION: Brief catheter drainage after TURP is safe and allows an earlier discharge from hospital than the standard duration of catheterization.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether early catheter removal after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) leads to early hospital discharge with no increase in complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 1992 50 consecutive patients undergoing TURP in each of two hospitals were catheterized for < 24 h or > 36-48 h after the operation. Patients were followed up to assess the frequency and extent of post-operative complications. RESULTS: The two groups, which were standardized as far as possible, had a similar outcome whether the catheter was removed within 24 h or > 36 h after TURP. CONCLUSION: Brief catheter drainage after TURP is safe and allows an earlier discharge from hospital than the standard duration of catheterization.