ObjectiveTo investigate the optimal catheter extubation time by comparing the postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty with catheter extubation at different times. MethodsBetween May and August 2013, 60 patients needing total hip replacement were randomly divided into experimental group and control group with 30 in each. The patients' average age of the experimental group was 75.6 years (65-87 years) and of the control group was 76.9 years (66-85 years). Extubation was performed within 24 hours after surgery in the experimental group, while it was performed after 24 hours after surgery in the control group. All the patients underwent clean catheterization with a Foley catheter two hours before surgery. The catheter indwelling time, first time of self-urination, urination after extubation, and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups carefully. ResultsThe incidence of complications (urinary retention, urethral pain, cystospasm and urinary irritant symptoms) in the experimental group was significantly less than the control group (P<0.05). The first urination time had no significant difference (P>0.05) between the two groups. ConclusionThe extraction of indwelling catheter in the early postoperative period (within 24 hours) can reduce the incidence of complications and is better for the early postoperative rehabilitation.