Optimal timing of urinary catheter removal after cesarean section; Randomized controlled trial

Background: Urethral catheterization plays a major role for reducing the likelihood of bladder damage and avoiding urinary retention before and after cesarean section, we aim to investigate the optimal time of removal catheter after cesarean section. Material And Method: A total of 250 eligible women, who were eligible for either primary or repeat elective cesarean section, were randomly assigned to two equal groups in a prospective randomized controlled study. In group A, the catheter was removed two hours after the surgery, whereas in group B, the catheter was extracted after 12 hours. Result: our study found that group of early catheter removal (2h) associated with lower events than delayed catheter removal (12h), early catheter removal (2h) associated with less bacteriuria, urinary retention, urgency, dysuria, burning on micturition and urinary frequency. We also found that early catheter removal (2h) over delayed catheter removal (12h) in postoperative outcomes as Postoperative mobilization, Postoperative oral rehydration, First postoperative voiding and Hospital stays. Conclusion: Early removal of the catheter is associated with less bacteriuria, urinary retention, urgency, dysuria, burning on micturition, and urinary frequency and did not enhance the urinary tract infection.