Factors Predicting Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort in Surgical Patients.

PURPOSE: The study was conducted to identify the factors predicting catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) in the postanesthesia care unit, to assess the level of CRBD and urinary catheter-related pain for the first 24 hours postoperatively, and to compare UCRP with the postoperative pain in the surgical site.

BACKGROUND: About 20% of hospitalized patients receive an indwelling urinary catheter, and more than half of these patients complain of CRBD or urinary catheter-related pain.

DESIGN: This prospective descriptive study conducted in an 800-bed university hospital involved 160 patients who had undergone elective surgery from February 5, 2012 to June 5, 2012.

METHODS: Demographic data including gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, weight, and height were collected on the preoperative visit. Factors predicting CRBD were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis. Comparison of the UCRP and postoperative pain was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

FINDINGS: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the factors predicting CRBD ≥2 30 minutes after arrival to the postanesthesia care unit were age <50 years (odds ratio [OR], 4.79; P = .005), male gender (OR, 7.07; P = .015), obstetric and gynecological surgery (OR, 11.07; P = .045), and UCRP (OR, 132.3; P < .015). Postoperative pain (P < .001) was significantly greater than UCRP.

CONCLUSIONS: Age <50 years, male gender, open abdominal surgery, and UCRP ≥4 predict CRBD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Perioperative care providers should screen surgical patients for risk factors of CRBD during the first postoperative 12 hours.