Role of Urinary Catheter in Post-Partum Urinary Retention and Genitourinary Infections in Caesarean Deliveries

Abstract

Background: Urethral catheterization is done as a routine procedure in cesarean section. It is thought to be associated with high incidence of urinary tract infections, discomfort, delayed ambulation and longer hospital stay. The aim of our study were to determine the feasibility and safety of cesarean section without urethral catheterization.

Subjects and Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was carried out in Beni-Suef General Hospital from April 1, 2014 to April 1, 2015April. Among 100 patients who had undergone cesarean section 50 were catheterized and 50 were uncatheterized.

Results: The study showed that the catheterized group took longer time till first voiding 7.80+ 2.88 hours versus 6.72+ 2.27 hours for the uncatheterized group (p value = 0.04*) and also took longer time till first ambulation 8.64+ 2.62 hours versus 6.10+ 1.94 hours for the uncatheterized group (p value = 0.001*). Further ,the females who were catheterized stayed for much longer period at hospital 30.56+6.19 hours versus 20.46+2.92 hours for the uncatheterized group (p value = 0.001*). The catheterized group had much higher numbers of UTI among its females, 36 female compared to only 15 females of the uncatheterized group (p value= 0.001*). Fmales who were subjected to catheterization were more likely to show urinary retention (p value = 0.039*).

Conclusion: Cesarean section can be done safely without urethral catheterization with reduced morbidities.

Keywords: Cesarean section, Urethral catheterization, Urinary tract infection, Urinary retention