Trial of Void

After bladder surgery or continence surgery we need to make sure that the bladder is emptying correctly. Swelling, inflammation or local bleeding 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.  

• 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:  Don’t strain. Most people void every 3-4 hours so you need to wait until you have an urge to go before you try.
• Rule 4: Make sure the nurse does a Bladder Scan (special machine) after your void to check you have indeed emptied your bladder. 

After the catheter is removed, the bladder will fill and when you have the urge please go to the toilet. If you have not been within 4 hours, a bladder scan is performed to make sure you are not over-full. If you can’t wee or do not empty enough, the catheter is inserted and left for another 24-48 hours (depending on what surgery you had).

 If you weren’t full, needing to go, you will be re-checked a few hours later. There is a protocol for this at the hospital so the nurses know what to do.

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