The Impact of Post-operative Voiding Trial on Length of Stay Following Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Prospective, Randomized Control Trial

Following laparoscopic surgery with hysterectomy, there is no standard method for assuring urinary function prior to discharge. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) has been demonstrated to be safe with a reduction in post-operative morbidity and length of hospital stay with no difference in cancer related outcomes in endometrial cancer. Furthermore, the investigators have demonstrated that following the adoption of same day discharge, there was no difference in composite complication rates or readmissions. Awaiting a passive void trial may impact time to discharge as well as same day discharge; however, this has not been clearly studied in this patient population. The aim of this study is to determine the difference in time to discharge following an active voiding trial with bladder backfill in the post-operative recovery unit compared to a passive voiding trial with removal of the Foley catheter in the operating room at the end of the procedure. Secondary outcomes include time to void, catheter replacement, discomfort with the voiding trial, and overnight admission.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients scheduled to undergo a total laparoscopic hysterectomy by a gynecologic oncology surgeon for either benign or malignant disease
• planned same day discharge surgery

Exclusion criteria

• history of significant urinary dysfunction (such as home catheterization) or neurologic dysfunction precluding spontaneous voiding
• bilateral radical pelvic dissection (defined as bilateral ureterolysis or removal of bilateral parametria)
• surgical cases converted to laparotomy or open surgery
• Surgical or medical contra-indications (based on the surgeons or anesthesiologists' recommendations) to same day discharge requiring inpatient admission