Keep catheter in for a few days after a TT?

Dear tessa8763,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I send all my patients home with a catheter.  It really makes life easier.  I usually remove it the next day or, if the patient wants I will leVe it in an extra day and let the patient remove it themselves at home which is easy. I have my patients take oral antibiotics after surgery and very rarely see a bladder infection. Interesting to see differing opinions on.  When I perform andominoplasty and ask patients if they are glad I sent them home with a catheter it’s a resounding YES!

Hello,Tummy tuck surgery is associated with the highest risk of blood clots in deep veins in the leg, thigh, or pelvis (DVT), and lying in bed after surgery increases that risk. Patients should be ambulating frequently from the day of surgery. In dwelling urinary catheters have their own set of complications, and should be removed as soon as possible after surgery. Best of luck. 

I usually leave a Foley cather in place for one night.  However I like to remove it the following day because I want my patients mobile right after surgery.  It's important to ambulate right after a tummy tuck to try to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  In addition, the catheter puts you at increased risk of getting a urinary tract infection.  You should discuss this with your plastic surgeon to see what he/she is most comfortable with.

Thanks so much for reaching out.  Mobility after Tummy Tuck is a must.  The risk of blood clots is high, the idea of laying in bed without getting up would put you at a dangerous risk for a  blood clot.  Please leave the instructions regarding your surgery up to a board certified plastic surgeon.I hope this helps :)

Going home with a catheter is not only unnecessary in the vast majority of cases, but it is a bad idea.  For starters, leaving a catheter in place for more than 24 hours increases your risk of getting a urinary tract infection.  Further, most plastic surgeons do not want you to remain immobile after surgery. Of course we don’t want you to over exert yourself, but mobilization will greatly reduce your risk of developing a blood clots. You are also more likely to not take deep breaths and possibly have fevers from atelectasis or even develop  pneumonia if you remain immobile.  Discuss this with your surgeon. Best wishes to you.

Thank you for sharing your question.  Though each surgeon has their own respective protocols after surgery, the risk of immobility and catheter placement are greater in my estimation than urinary retention.  I have not sent home any patients with a catheter for that indication.  Hope this helps.

I have not found this to be necessary, and there can be complications with insertion and removal.

I agree, absolutely no need for a urinary catheter postop. We like you up and moving ASAP, we do this all the time, don't worry. Good luck, Jane

Hi. On the contrary to reduce risk of clots formation or thromboembolism after surgery is very important for the patient to move and not be immobile, incision is not going to open because of walking.Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
25 years experience