Early Removal of Urinary Catheters in Patients After Rectal Surgery: a Prospective Study

All patients undergoing anterior resection (rectosigmoid), low anterior resection, abdomino-perineal resection, total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, sigmoid colectomy, and coloanal anastomosis will be included in the study. All patients will undergo standard pre-operative work-up prior to the operation. As part of the operative note, the level of the anastomosis must be documented.

1. All patients will have foley catheters removed between 0600 and midnight of post-operative day 3 (Day 0 being the day of operation).

2. All patients will undergo bladder ultrasound prior to catheter removal.

3. All patients will undergo bladder ultrasound by nursing staff six hours after catheter removal, and after voiding the first time after catheter removal, or if the patient experiences symptoms of urinary retention.

4. Patients who meet definition of urinary retention (>100cc post-void residual) will undergo intermittent straight catheterization every six hours or with symptoms. For those who refuse intermittent straight catheterization, a indwelling urinary catheter will be inserted and left in for 24 hours before removal.

5. For patients who have low urine output indicating under-resuscitation, indwelling catheters will be re-inserted and removed when ongoing resuscitation measures are completed.

6. For patients who are actively undergoing fluid resuscitation on post-operative day 3 will not have their urinary catheters removed until resuscitation and monitoring is complete.