Frontiers in Nephrology · Published 2026-07-29 · DOI 10.3389/fneph.2026.1830698
G. Albertema, A.C.P. Boskma, B.H. Meppelink, J.M. Vonk, S.J.L. Bakker, A. Ozyilmaz, M.F.C De Jong
IntroductionOptimal bladder function is crucial for kidney transplant success. Bladder training could help prevent dysfunction and complications, yet evidence-based guidelines for bladder training methods are limited. This study evaluates two protocols: standard hourly training versus tailored to preoperative urine output, assessing urinary tract outcomes.MethodsThis pre-post study used data from the TransplantLines data and biobank on kidney transplant patients admitted in 2019 (standard bladder training) and 2022 (new protocol) to a Dutch academic hospital. Standard bladder training involved hourly urination with regular post-void residual checks, whereas the new protocol adjusted urination frequency and scan schedules based on preoperative urine output. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the following outcomes: residual urine volume > 100ml, urinary tract infection or re-catheterization within three months post-transplantation.ResultsThe analysis included 211 patients (70% male, mean age 55, n=100 standard protocol, n=111 new protocol). Multivariate analysis showed no differences between the protocols in the investigated outcomes. A significant interaction between protocol and age on re-catheterization was found suggesting higher re-catheterization risk in older patients under the new protocol.DiscussionThe revised protocol might promote patient well-being and simultaneously improve nurse working conditions.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
Read the article at the publisher →
Albertema, G., Boskma, A., Meppelink, B., et al. (2026). The effect of nurse-led bladder training on urinary tract outcomes after kidney transplantation. Frontiers in Nephrology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneph.2026.1830698