Suprapubic vs. transurethral catheterisartion in abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Bladder catheterisation of patients undergoing abdominal surgery is mandatory,
since epidural anesthesia causes a temporary dysfunction of the bladder.
However, catheterisation leads to bacteriuria in a significant percentage of
these patients (5 percent per day). There are two accepted methods for
catheterisation: the suprapubis catheter (SPC) and the transurethral catheter
(TUC). Although the SPC has the theoretical advantage of a lower rate of
bacteriuria and might be better tolerated, the TUC is most commonly applied.
Recent literature is unclear about the preferred method of catheterisation.

To identify the preferred method of bladder catheterisation in patients
undergoing abdominal surgery (either vascular or gastro-intestinal surgery).

Open label randomized controlled trial

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No additional risk for patients.