Early Catheter Removal after Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical Technique and Outcomes for the Aalst Technique (ECaRemA Study)

Conclusions The Aalst technique allows the removal of catheters 2 d after RARP and results in spontaneous voiding. Early removal showed no increased rate of urinary leakage, no negative impact on short-term continence and on perineal, urethral or penile pain, and no increase in urinary retention rates. Future studies have to confirm these results with longer follow-up including detailed parameters on return to daily activity. Patient summary We provide evidence that it is possible to remove the bladder catheter as early as 2 d after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy without any negative effects on voiding and pain parameters. Thus, leaving the hospital early without a catheter in place could represent a significant and relevant benefit for the patient. The Aalst technique is a combined posterior reconstruction and anastomosis procedure used during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. We showed that bladder catheters can be safely removed 2 d postoperatively when using this technique with no negative impact on voiding and pain parameters.
Source: European Urology - Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research