Smooth recovery: Comparing urethral and suprapubic catheter drainage after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates and compares Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) regarding patient satisfaction with urethral catheterisation (UC) and suprapubic catheterisation (SPC) post-robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital from January 2023 to March 2024 on patients undergoing RARP. Patients received either a UC or SPC, with each surgeon exclusively using one method. A patient preference questionnaire assessed comfort, ease of care, and the quality of pre-/post-operative information. Scoring was based on a visual analogue scale (1–10), categorised as very good (1–3), ok (4–7), or very poor (8–10). Demographic and body mass index (BMI) data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square tests. Results: A total of 204 patients were included, with 102 receiving UC and 102 SPC. Discomfort levels differed significantly between groups, with 37.3% of UC patients reporting ‘very good’ comfort versus 87% of SPC patients ( p < 0.001). SPC patients also reported significantly higher convenience in care (95.1% versus 63.7% for UC, p < 0.001). Catheter-associated urinary tract infections were minimal (2% for both groups), while 4% of UC patients presented to the emergency department with blocked catheters. Conclusion: SPC improves patient experience post-RARP. Further research is needed on long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and early continence recovery. Level of evidence: Not applicable