Is There Any Reason Why a Cathether is Left in After Surgery?

Question

I am having a tt in 1 week. Is there any reason why my cath would not be removed before I wake up? I never had bladder issues after gen anesth. and I would much rather wet my bed rather than feel a cath come out. I was told it would be taken out before I awaken in recovery-but my friend who just had the same procedure 2 weeks ago woke up with hers still in and she said it hurt like h--- when the nurse removed it. How can I assure that does not happen to me? Thanks in advance for any advice!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A catheter after tummy tuck should be removed without any sequellae and minimal pain.  It just involves deflating a balloon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	The best way to obtain a relevant answer is to ask your plastic surgeon this question. In my practice, I  generally remove catheters before patients are discharged  as outpatients. Patients generally do well and are “forced” to ambulate to get to the restroom. This earlier ambulation is important.

	 Best wishes with your upcoming procedure.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

If you have concerns about the placement of a catheter, make sure you discuss them with your surgeon before surgery.  I generally will place a urinary catheter and leave it in for the first night.  While we encourage patients to get up the first night of surgery to prevent DVTs, some patients have difficulty moving well.  The catheter is left in place because frequent urination is possible the first night due to fluids received in the OR as well as after surgery.  Removing a catheter is usually a relatively painless experience, your friend must have had an unusual experience.  Good luck with your surgery!

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

This is a great question. There is not any right or wrong. I generally leave the catheter in over night so that my patients don't have to worry about getting up out of bed to go to the bathroom. I like to keep my patients well hydrated to reduce nausea and the risks of DVT. Continued IV fluids means you will need to pee frequently - hence the convenience of the catheter. This doesn't mean however that you shouldn't be getting out of bed to walk even on the first night, since we all know early ambulation also helps to reduce DVT. Some docs take the catheter out so that the patient has to get out of bed to pee which by default makes them ambulate. It shouldn't hurt when it is in or when it is removed. Your friend had a bad experience.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

You should address this with your surgeon. There may have been a good reason for this, but only they can answer that....

Is There Any Reason Why a Cathether is Left in After Surgery?

Answers (10)

Answer: Urinary Catheters for Tummy Tucks

Answer: Urinary Catheters for Tummy Tucks

Answer: Catheter?

Answer: Catheter?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Is There Any Reason Why a Cathether is Left in After Surgery?

Answers (10)

Answer: Urinary Catheters for Tummy Tucks

Answer: Urinary Catheters for Tummy Tucks

Answer: Catheter?

Answer: Catheter?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.