Comparison of Different Strategies for Prevention of Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is characterized by pain and a burning sensation in the suprapubic region caused by stimulation of type 3 muscarinic (M3) receptors.The aim of this study was to compare the effects of tramadol and dexmedetomidine on CRBD, which have inhibitory effects on the M3 receptor.Methods: A total of 135 male patients with ASA I-II, aged between 18 and 70 years and scheduled to undergo elective retrograde intrarenal surgery between March and July 2020, were included in the study.Patients were randomized into three groups: tramadol (group T), dexmedetomidine (group D), and control (group C).Patients were evaluated for the incidence and severity of CRBD and postoperative pain at the postoperative 0 th (t 0 ), 1 st (t 1 ), 3 rd (t 2 ), and 6 th (t 3 ) hours. Results:The incidence and severity of CRBD were lower in group D at t 1 than in the other groups (p<0.05).The incidence and severity of CRBD were similar between groups T and D, and they were significantly lower than those in group C at t 2 and t 3 (p<0.01).Postoperative pain levels were significantly lower in groups T and D than in group C at t 0 and t 1 (p<0.01).Postoperative recovery time was significantly longer in group D (p<0.01). Conclusion:Both dexmedetomidine and tramadol are effective in preventing CRBD and in postoperative analgesia.Dexmedetomidine is more potent than tramadol in the early period; however, it may delay post-anesthesia recovery time.