Objective To reduce urinary catheter related discomfort in patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC) after surgery and promote recovery. Methods A total of 820 PTC patients who were scheduled for total thyroidectomy under general anesthesia were assigned to a urinary catheter indwelling group (control, n=607) and a non-indwelling group (n=213). Results Urinary catheter related discomfort did not occur in the non-indwelling group, but the incidence in the control group was 87.5%. The non-indwelling group started out-of-bed mobilization earlier, and had better quality of life, shorter length of hospital stay, and lower medical costs compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Both groups did not develop urinary tract infection. Two cases in the control group received recatheterization because of urinary retention after removal of the catheter and 1 case in the non-indwelling group received catheterization for voiding dysfunction. Conclusion Non-indwelling catheter before operation can improve surgical treatment experience of PTC patients receiving total thyroidectomy under general anesthesia, reduce medical costs and promote recovery.