Duration of urethral catheterization after urethroplasty: how long is enough?
BACKGROUND
To report the impact of duration of urethral catheterization (DUC) on the rate of extravasation on voiding cysto-urethrography (VCUG) and the subsequent need of catheter replacement in urethroplasty.


METHODS
Two hundred nineteen consecutive patients undergoing urethroplasty between October 2010 and November 2014 were evaluated for the impact of DUC. Patients were divided into 2 groups, based on the scheduled DUC≤10 days (group 1, N.=86) or >10 days (group 2, N.=133).


RESULTS
Fourteen patients (6.4%) had extravasation on VCUG with an additional period of catheter usage. In 10 of the 14 patients (71.4%) clinical signs of impaired wound healing were present. In group 1 (median DUC 8 days) 3 patients (3.5%) needed an additional period of urethral catheterization, compared to 11 patients (8.3%) in group 2 (median DUC 14 days). Strictures in group 2 were longer (4 vs. 2 cm, P<0.001) and more complex. Redo urethroplasty was needed in 9 of the 14 patients with extravasation.


CONCLUSIONS
In uncomplicated cases of urethroplasty, the urethral catheter can be safely removed after 8 to 10 days postoperatively. Extravasation on VCUG occurs in around 6% of urethroplasties and is a prognostic factor for stricture recurrence and reoperation.
Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium - filip.poelaert@uzgent.be.
Filip
F
Poelaert
Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Willem
W
Oosterlinck
Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Anne-Françoise
AF
Spinoit
Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Nicolaas
N
Lumen
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012086:Reoperation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014521:Urethra / Q000601:surgery*; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000601:surgery; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*