Ask a Plastic Surgeon--Abdominoplasty--Question 3

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Question 3

Question: I am a 24 year old female interested in abdominoplasty but I am concerned about the possible use of a urinary catheter during surgery. Is one commonly used? If so, do I have the right to refuse this or may I insist that it is both inserted and removed while under GA? Thank you in advance.

Response: A catheter is inserted after general anesthesia. It remains in place until the next day. The catheter needs to be inserted during surgery in order to decompress your bladder and allow for tightening your fascia (muscles). Although you will probably walk the day of surgery, you won't want to get up several times the night of surgery. Most patients welcome the catheter because of the convenience it affords. Don't worry about it too much. It really is there to make your comfortable.

Submitted: 5-22-2006; Brooke, Florida
Response: 5-22-2006; Stephen J Ronan, MD, Danville, CA Dr. Ronan's web site

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