Research Progress on Risk Factors and Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort

Liao Junfeng, Xu Wei^*

First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University

Abstract：

Perioperative indwelling urinary catheterization is a commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in surgery. Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is a common postoperative urinary complication, particularly in patients undergoing general anesthesia and urological surgery, and is detrimental to perioperative safety and recovery. The clinical incidence of CRBD can reach 47%–90%, mainly manifesting as frequent urination, urinary urgency, suprapubic pain, and a persistent abnormal urge to void. Severe bladder spasms may induce complications such as emergence agitation, incision bleeding, unplanned catheter removal, and postoperative delirium, thereby increasing hospital stay and medical costs. Its pathogenesis is complex and is mainly mediated through multiple pathways, including urinary tract mucosal inflammation induced by mechanical stimulation from the urinary catheter, detrusor overactivity, and peripheral and central neural pain sensitization. Currently, a comprehensive prevention and treatment system for CRBD, including nonpharmacological interventions, monotherapy, and multimodal analgesia, has been established clinically. However, most studies are single-center trials with small sample sizes and lack uniform standards, while evidence for long-term efficacy and stratified intervention strategies remains relatively weak. This article systematically reviews the risk factors, pathogenesis, severity grading, and recent advances in perioperative prevention and treatment of CRBD; summarizes the shortcomings of current research and future directions; and aims to provide reliable evidence for precise clinical prevention and control of CRBD and the optimization of refined perioperative management.

Key Words：

catheter-related bladder discomfort; perioperative management; risk factors; prevention; treatment