POST-OPERATIVE BLADDER CARE

BLADDER CARE
A urinary catheter may be required for some procedures. Early catheter
removal reduces the risk of infection and encourages the woman to walk.
• If the urine is clear, remove the catheter eight hours after surgery or
after the first postoperative night.
• If the urine is not clear, leave the catheter in place until the urine is
clear.
• Wait 48 hours after surgery before removing the catheter if there was:
- uterine rupture
- prolonged or obstructed labour
- massive perineal oedema
- puerperal sepsis with pelvic peritonitis.
Note: Ensure that the urine is clear before removing the catheter.
• If the bladder was injured (from either uterine rupture or during
caesarean or laparotomy):
- Leave the catheter in place for a minimum of seven days and until
the urine is clear.
- If the woman is not currently receiving antibiotics, give
nitrofurantoin 100 mg by mouth once daily until the catheter is
removed, for prophylaxis against cystitis.
- If there is a suspicion of a bladder injury (e.g. the woman has
had prolonged obstructed labour), consider leaving the catheter in
for seven days. 

MCPC 2017, C-74 Operative care principles WHO