Trial of Void

After some vaginal surgery (Anterior vaginal Repair) or continence surgery (TVT Exact) we need to make sure that the bladder is emptying correctly.   

Swelling, inflammation or local bleeding in the area can stop the urethra from opening and the bladder will not be able to push the urine out. If the bladder remains too full for too long, the problem can become worse. To avoid this drama, you will have a Trial of Void after your operation.   

The nurse fills your bladder through the catheter with 300ml of sterile fluid. Then the catheter is removed, and you will be asked to go and void (wee).  If you can’t wee or do not empty enough, the catheter is inserted and either: 

•  left for another 24-48 hours (depending on what surgery you had). 

• or you will go home with a catheter for about a week 

Rule 1:  Drink normally. Don’t drink too much; you will only cause problems for yourself. 

Rule 2:  Wee in the ‘witches hat’ placed on the toilet so the nurse can measure your voided volume. 

Rule 3:   Make sure the nurse does a Bladder Scan (special machine) after your void to check you have indeed emptied your bladder.