Feasibility Study on Omitting Indwelling Urinary Catheterization After RIRS

Object To evaluate the clinical feasibility of omitting routine urinary catheterization after RIRS for upper urinary tract calculi. Methods In this study, 80 patients undergoing RIRS between June 2023 and June 2024 were allocated into two groups: urinary catheter-free group (n = 40) and conventional urinary catheterization group (24-hour indwelling, n = 40). Comprehensive analysis included perioperative parameters and postoperative outcomes assessment. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding postoperative infectious fever (2 [2.5%] vs 4 [5.0%], P = 0.396), AUR (2 [2.5%] vs 0 [0%], P = 0.494), or other complications. However, the incidence of penile or urethral pain was significantly lower in the experimental group (1 [1.25%] vs. 28 [35.0%], P = 0.000). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, gender, BMI, ASA grade, stone laterality, preoperative urinary tract infection, or preoperative D-J stent placement (P > 0.05), suggesting these factors did not influence the need for urinary catheterization. Conclusion Our findings suggest that omitting routine urinary catheterization following RIRS is clinically safe and significantly reduces catheter-related morbidity, potentially serving as a new standard of care in uncomplicated cases.