Pilot study of a Foley catheter with micropore-delivered analgesia for reducing catheter-associated pain and discomfort in patients with repeated catheterizations.

Lee, Dong Sup; Lee, Yun-Hee; Kim, Woo Bae; Kim, Jong Jeong; Lee, Sung Chul; Ha, U Syn · Reg Anesth Pain Med · 2026

rct · Level II

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Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the modified catheter in alleviating catheter-related pain. This randomized controlled trial included 40 patients with similar characteristics scheduled for repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumor. At the end of surgery, a specially designed urethral catheter with multiple micropores enabling direct administration of local analgesic onto the urethral mucosa was inserted. In the treatment group, 0.5% ropivacaine was infused at 1 mL/hour (5 mg/hour), whereas the control group received normal saline. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and a 5-point Likert scale for willingness to reuse the catheter were assessed. During the first 6 postoperative hours, mean VAS increased by 1.80±1.06 in the treatment group and by 4.70±0.98 in the control group. The between-group mean difference was -2.90 (95% CI -3.55 to -2.25). From 6 to 24 hours, the change in VAS was -0.30±0.57 in the treatment group and -0.60±1.05 in the control group, with no meaningful between-group difference (mean difference, 0.30; 95% CI -0.24 to 0.84). At 24 hours, mean VAS was 1.75±1.12 in the treatment group and 4.25±0.97 in the control group. Cumulatively, VAS scores were lower in the treatment group compared with the control group (between-group mean difference -2.6, and 95% CI -3.22 to -1.97). The cumulative MME was significantly higher in the control group than in the treatment group (p<0.01), and MME was positively correlated with changes in VAS over 24 hours (R<sup>2</sup> for control and treatment groups were 0.33 and 0.31, respectively). Differences were also observed in the change of IPSS and its storage subscore between groups (p<0.01). The 5-Point Likert Scale for willingness to use the catheter was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (p<0.01). Our findings indicate that the novel catheter provides early pain control, reduces postoperative analgesic needs and lessens storage symptoms after catheter removal, improving patient satisfaction.