Evaluation of the efficacy of solifenacin and darifenacin for prevention of catheter-related bladder discomfort: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.

Background: Urinary catheterization during surgical interventions causes postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD). Antimuscarinic agents are the mainstay of treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). As the symptoms of CRBD mimic to OAB, so we designed this study to assess the efficacy of solifenacin and darifenacin for prevention of CRBD.

Methods: Ninety patients of either sex undergoing elective spine surgery and requiring urinary catheterization were randomly assigned into three groups to receive oral solifenacin 5 mg (Group S), darifenacin 7.5 mg (Group D) and placebo (Group C) 1 hour prior to induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia technique was identical in all the groups. Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) was evaluated in 4-point scale (1 = no discomfort, 2 = mild discomfort, 3 = moderate discomfort, 4 = severe discomfort), on arrival (0 hour) and at 1, 2, and 6 hours postoperatively. Patients were provided patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl for postoperative pain relief.

Results: There were no significant differences in demographic profile and fentanyl requirements (P>0.05). The prevalence and severity of CRBD were significantly less in the group D and group S compared with the group C at all time intervals (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Pretreatment with oral solifenacin or darifenacin reduces catheter-related bladder discomfort with no clinically relevant significant side effects.