The effect of urinary catheter removal timing on urinary retention in cesarean section

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes and urinary retention rate of urinary catheters removed after 6, 12, and 24 hours in cesarean section (CS) patients. 
Materials and Methods: Pregnant women who had undergone term elective CS for previous CS indication under spinal anesthesia were included in this prospective study. Patients were divided into three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio and the patient’s urinary catheter was removed after 6, 12, and 24 hours. The residual urine amount was calculated with ultrasonography. In addition, the time until ambulation, recatheterization rate, urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms, and the duration of hospitalization were recorded. 
Results: The urinary retention rate (13.9 %) was significantly higher in the group whose catheter was removed after 6 hours. The time to the first ambulation was affected by the duration of the catheter and was significantly higher in the group whose catheter was removed after 24 hours (p=0.038). Additionally, dysuria and UTI were seen significantly higher in the group whose catheter was removed after 24 hours. However, the length of hospital stay was similar between the three groups. 
Conclusion: Considering the benefit-harm balance, removal of the urinary catheter at 12 hours after CS could be suggested. However, the duration of urinary catheter removal should be individualized.