A prospective observational study on urethral catheter-associated complications among general surgical inpatients.

Dr Navyadeep  Kanukurthi; Dr . Chandra Prakash  Baindla; Dr . Yerra  Sudhakar

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2084

Authors

Dr . Navyadeep Kanukurthi Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India
Dr . Chandra Prakash Baindla Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, india
Dr. Yerra Sudhakar Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, india

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2084

Keywords:

urethral catheterization, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, postoperative complications, general surgery, risk factors

Abstract

Background:
Urethral catheterization is frequently employed in general surgical inpatients for perioperative and critical care management. However, its use is associated with a spectrum of complications, which may impact patient outcomes and prolong hospitalization.

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence, spectrum, and risk factors of urethral catheter-associated complications among general surgical inpatients.

Methods:

This prospective observational study was conducted on 100 consecutive general surgical inpatients who required urethral catheterization during hospitalization. Detailed demographic, clinical, and peri-catheterization parameters were recorded. All patients were followed for 30 days to identify catheter-related complications, including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), urethral trauma, blockage, and accidental dislodgement. Potential risk factors were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression to determine statistical significance.

Results:

The mean age was 54.2 ± 15.6 years, with 62% males. Perioperative urinary monitoring was the commonest indication for catheterization (58%). The mean catheterization duration was 6.4 ± 2.8 days. Overall, 33% of patients developed at least one complication. CAUTI occurred in 14%, urethral trauma in 8%, blockage in 6%, and dislodgement in 5%. Complication rates were significantly higher in patients catheterized for >7 days (28.1% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.010), with diabetes mellitus (25.0% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.040), and with breach in aseptic technique (50.0% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.030). All complications resolved with appropriate management.

Conclusions:

One-third of general surgical inpatients with urethral catheters experience complications, most frequently CAUTI. Prolonged catheterization, diabetes, and aseptic breaches significantly increase risk.

Recommendations:

Limiting catheter duration, ensuring strict asepsis, and close monitoring of high-risk patients are essential to reduce morbidity associated with urethral catheterization.

Author Biographies

Dr . Navyadeep Kanukurthi , Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Surgery at Government Medical College, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana. He obtained his MBBS degree from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, and completed his MS in General Surgery at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad. With 2.5 years of teaching and clinical experience, he is actively involved in surgical education, patient care, and academic activities, contributing to the training of future medical professionals. ORCID ID:https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1119-198X

Dr . Chandra Prakash Baindla, Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, india

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology at Government Medical College, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India. He obtained his MBBS degree from Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, and completed his MS in General Surgery from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal. He subsequently pursued his super-specialty training, earning a DrNB in Urology from Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. With two years of dedicated teaching experience, Dr. Baindla has a strong academic foundation complemented by clinical expertise in both general and urological surgery. His professional interests include minimally invasive urological procedures, surgical education, and improving perioperative patient outcomes. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6378-3529

Dr. Yerra Sudhakar, Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, india

is a dedicated academic surgeon with a strong foundation in clinical practice and surgical education. He obtained his MBBS degree from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal (2002–2008) and completed his MS in General Surgery from Mamata Medical College, Khammam (2016–2019).

In 2019, Dr. Sudhakar commenced his academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Surgery at Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana. Over the next five years, until June 2024, he made significant contributions to undergraduate and postgraduate training, refining his expertise in surgical education, operative techniques, and clinical mentoring.

In mid-2024, he was appointed Associate Professor at Government Medical College & General Hospital, Bhadradri Kothagudem, where he continues to integrate evidence-based practice into both patient care and academic teaching. Known for his commitment to professional growth, Dr. Sudhakar combines scholarly rigor with compassionate care, fostering an environment that encourages innovation, research engagement, and high standards of surgical excellence. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2330-241X

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