Incidence and Severity of Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort Among Nonurological Adult Patients in a Postanesthesia Care Unit

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and severity of catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) among nonurological adult patients in a postanesthesia care unit with catheter sizes of 10 to 18 Fr.

Design: Descriptive, prospective, and quantitative study.

Methods: In all, 401 patients were included. Incidence and severity of CRBD were assessed upon arrival and 1 hour after arrival.

Findings: CRBD incidence was 17.2% (n = 69) on arrival versus 19.1 (n = 74) 1 hour after arrival. Male gender showed a significantly higher risk of developing CRBD upon arrival (odds ratio, 3.15; P = .000; 95% confidence interval, 1.78 to 5.59), and 1 hour after arrival (odds ratio, 2.34; P = .002; 95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 3.99).

Conclusions: The findings suggest using a catheter as small as possible and confirm that men experience significantly more discomfort, whatever sized catheter is used.

Keywords: PACU; bladder catheter; bladder discomfort; incidence; nonurological.