Optimal duration of urethral catheterization in ThuLEP: A randomized prospective pilot study.
Miguel Ángel Gómez-Luque, Rubén Campanario-Pérez, Nadia María Curbelo-Ascanio et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized prospective pilot study compared catheter removal at 24 versus 72 hours after thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) in 42 patients, with 21 assigned to each group. The study assessed postoperative urinary flow, patient-reported outcomes and complications. No clinically significant differences in urinary function or patient-reported outcomes were observed between groups. Complications occurred in 1 patient in the 24-hour group and 6 in the 72-hour group. The authors conclude that 24-hour catheterization appears feasible, while noting that confirmatory trials are needed.
Key findings
- Postoperative complications occurred in 1 patient with 24-hour catheterization and 6 with 72-hour catheterization.
- The study observed no clinically significant differences between groups in urinary function or patient-reported outcomes.
Why it matters
Catheter duration after ThuLEP varies, and earlier removal may reduce the time patients remain catheterized. This pilot provides preliminary comparative evidence that removal at 24 hours can yield outcomes similar to a 72-hour protocol in the studied cohort. The findings may inform evaluation of postoperative pathways, but the small pilot study is not definitive evidence of equivalence.
What to keep in mind
This was a pilot study with 42 patients; the authors identify the findings as preliminary and call for future confirmatory trials.