Catheterization prior to evacuation of uterus and diagnostic curettage

Dilatation and curettage and evacuation of the uterus are the 2 most common minor gynaecological procedures that trainees perform. Some trainees are t aught to catheterize the patient before these procedures. This study was ca rried out with 2 aims, firstly to establish the prevalence of significant r esidual urine volume prior to these procedures and secondly to gain informa tion on the practices among members and fellows of the RNZCOG residing in N ew Zealand with regard to catheterization prior to these operations. The me asured residual urine volume was greater than 50 mt in 37.5% of patients an d greater than 100 mt in 12.1%. About 92% of those surveyed did not cathete rize prior to either procedure. The risk of infection does not appear to be a valid argument for not catheterizing. Routine urinary catheterization be fore these procedures is unnecessary.