Routine Indwelling Catheterization Versus Non Catheterization in Elective Caesarean Section: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Cesarean section is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in obstetrics (Shrestha et al., 2015). Recent decades have seen a major rise in overall caesarean section rates worldwide (Christensen and Overgaard, 2017), and in some parts of the world the rate of cesarean section reaches 40.5 percent e.g. in Latin America and the Caribbean (Sepehri and Guliani, 2016). Cesarean section carries all the complications of any major surgery; including major organs injury. From the obstetricians’ point of view, empirical urinary catheterization is widely practiced during cesarean sections as it can decompress the bladder and decrease urinary tract injuries, improve lower uterine segment exposure, and avoid post cesarean urine retention (El-Mazny et al., 2014). However, this simple procedure can have considerable adverse effects on the patient during the postoperative period. Urethral catheters are associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infection, especially in women (Chan et al., 2010). Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) is one of the most common nosocomial infections accounting for up to 40% of all hospital acquired infections. Risk of infection is about 5-10% with each day