I was under for 12 hours and catheterized by FT for my FFS. This was back in 2015 before having SRS. Comparatively being catheterized pre-op SRS is way more uncomfortable than it was post-op SRS. That said, it was a minor annoyance and the catheter was out the morning after my FFS. I wouldn’t worry too much about it. If you plan on SRS or haven’t had SRS yet, get used to it. Catheterization is just part of the experience unfortunately.

I had no idea this was a thing. Surely there’s an easier way than a catheterisation.must kill to remove it too.

If you're going to be under for more than a minor procedure, catheterization is almost always indicated, and FFS is not a minor procedure. In addition to preventing unwanted voiding of the bladder during surgery, keeping the bladder empty helps prevent compression of the iliac veins and compromising blood return from the legs, which could lead to deep veinous thrombosis. The catheter is removed after you wake up because you need to be able to control your bladder.

Lets get some context here. So you go into theatre with an empty bladder. The average person produces 40mls of urine per hour, providing they are fully hydrated. They will put a drip in mainly for IV Drugs and blood loss. That should keep you hydrated and facial surgery is generally low blood loss surgery. The human bladder can hold 400 - 800mls. So yes, if you are having facial surgery for 12hrs it is warranted. Come on FT a catheter is there just to make things easy for the staff, not the patient. You have every right to tell them to stick it elsewhere. Totally not needed.