Outcomes and Safety of Suprapubic vs Urethral Catheterization Following Pelvic Fascia‒Sparing Robotic Prostatectomy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Urethral catheter (UC) discomfort remains a burden following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Suprapubic catheters (SPCs) may reduce patient discomfort and increase satisfaction. Pelvic fascia‒sparing (PFS) RARP reduces the technical challenges of intraoperative SPC placement. We examined postoperative outcomes of SPC vs UC placement following PFS-RARP. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospective institutional review board‒approved database of PFS-RARP patients from June 2020 to December 2022 receiving SPC (n = 108) or UC (n = 104) postoperatively. Demographics and clinical and perioperative outcomes were captured. Postoperative patient-reported quality of life was measured using EPIC-CP (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice). Patients with intraoperative complications or intraoperative leaks or undergoing salvage prostatectomy were excluded. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to compare outcomes. RESULTS: = .46). CONCLUSIONS: SPC after PFS-RARP is a safe and feasible alternative to UC. SPC is associated with an earlier return to continence and higher continence rates at catheter removal. Use of SPC may increase overall patient satisfaction following PFS-RARP.