A Prospective Comparative Study of Removal of Urinary Catheter at 12 hours versus at or >24 Hours Following Elective Cesarean Section in Women

Background & Objective: To compare the outcomes of urinary catheter removal at 12 Hours versus at or >24 Hours post elective cesarean section. To assess and compare symptomatic UTI, time of ambulation, length of hospital stays and need for recatherization amongst these 2 groups. Methods: In all patients undergoing elective primary cesarean section,  Preoperative urine routine and microscopy¯ were sent, UTI was ruled out, clinical examination was performed and were NPO at least 8 hours prior to surgery and given antibiotics. A foley catheter was inserted on the operating table immediately before starting cesarean section. Cesarean sections were performed in the usual manner under spinal anesthesia. After this, in Group 1 patients, catheter were removed 12hours post-operatively while in Group 2 it was removed 24 hours post-operatively.  After catheter removal, women were encouraged to void and helped to ambulate. Results: 2 groups were compared and the overall rates of post caesarean section urinary complaints dysuria (8.69%), urinary frequeny(14.13%), urgency(10.86%), burning micturition(9.76%) were higher in 24 hours catheter removal group. The Mean duration of first Post-op voiding time (4 hours), ambulatory time(4 hours) and hospital stay(4 days) were shorter in 12 hours catheter removal group. Conclusion: Urinary catheter removal post Caesarean section at duration of 12 hours postoperatively is associated with decreased complications and morbidity in post Caesarean section women.