Lin Wang,1,2 Fulan Wang,1,2 Hong Qin,2 Li Hou,2 Shiqiong Zhu,3 Fang He,2 Chao Zeng2 

1Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People’s Republic of China; 2Gynecology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People’s Republic of China; 3Gynecology Department, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Fulan Wang, Department of Nursing, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13012370558, Email WFL3076@163.com

Background: Bladder dysfunction is a common complication following radical hysterectomy, affecting patients’ QOL. Exploring interventions, particularly IC continuity care, is crucial for identifying strategies to enhance postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to assess the impact of continuous intermittent catheterization (IC) care on bladder function recovery and quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.
Methods: The primary outcome measured was the time to bladder function recovery, with secondary outcomes comprising EORTC QLQ-C30 assessments at 3 and 6 months post-surgery, as well as EORTC QLQ-CX24 evaluations. Meanwhile, urinary complications, readmissions, and outpatient follow-up were also compared.
Results: Among the 128 participants, with 64 in each group, indwelling catheterization durations were similar. However, the IC continuity care group exhibited significantly shorter IC duration and bladder recovery time. This group demonstrated superior QOL, lower occurrence rates post-IC, reduced urethral injuries, and higher readmission and outpatient follow-up rates.
Conclusion: This study underscores continuous IC care emerges as a beneficial intervention, facilitating accelerated bladder function recovery and improved QOL in patients following radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.

Keywords: intermittent urethral catheterization, cervical cancer, urinary bladder neurogenic dysfunction, continuity of patient care, rehabilitation