Scientific Review

BPH and Intermittent Catheterization - 75994

The general evidence level on successful use of intermittent catheterization is extensive and includes several types of diagnoses whereof BPH is described as one common reason for therapy. 

Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) - 76052

Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are common in the hospital setting with consequential morbidity and mortality.

Combined bladder and bowel dysfunction - 73387

Coexisting bladder and bowel dysfunction is quite common, and can be frequent in certain groups of patients. While bladder dysfunction is reasonably well studied and its management is often included in clinical practice, much less is known about bowel dysfunction alone or in combination with bladder problems. 

Fecal Incontinence - 73260

Fecal incontinence (FI) means involuntary loss of rectal content such as solid and liquid stool, mucus or flatus. FI is not a diagnosis but a symptom. It is considered a stigmatizing condition, and fear of having an accident in public restricts the social and working life for those who experience it.

Intermittent Vs Indwelling Catheterization - 75956

Available clinical evidence supports the strategy to always consider intermittent catheterization as the first therapeutic choice, before considering the use of an indwelling catheter. Intermittent catheterization is the first therapeutic choice and is a safer bladder management method than both urethral and suprapubic indwelling catheters.

Men's Urethral Health - 73103

The mortality rate for men is higher than for women for 12 of the 15 leading causes of death. Men’s risk behaviors in combination with a reluctance to seek medical care cause unnecessary suffering. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common, and have a negative impact on quality of life (QoL) and increase mortality. 

Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD) - 75944

Defecation disorders are common in conditions affecting the nervous system, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida and severe Parkinson’s disease, and have great impact on selfesteem, personal relationships and social life. Severity of the disorder often correlates to quality of life which is why improving bowel function is rated among the highest priorities among affected patients.

No-Touch Catheter Technique - 75941

Introduction of a no-touch catheter/technique for intermittent catheterization seems to be well accepted both by caregivers and patients and it is not necessarily associated with higher costs. On the contrary, it could potentially reduce costs, saving time and errors in the healthcare system and reduce infection complications in general. 

Osmolality and Catheterization - Scientific Review

Discomfort at catheter withdrawal is occasionally reported by some patients practicing intermittent catheterization with hydrophilic coated catheters.

Patient Centered Care - 72702

The literature proposes that instead of trying to change patient’s behaviors for better compliance, healthcare professionals should increase focus on their own behaviors by practicing patient centered care and shared decision making. 

Patient Preference in Intermittent Catheterization - 75946

User compliance is central to ensure long-term success and cost effectiveness of intermittent catheterization. Compliance is enhanced by adapting catheter choice to the needs and preferences of the individual patient and enabling use of hydrophilic catheters.

Reuse Vs Single-use Catheters - 75942

A surprisingly high number of patients reuses catheters intended for single-use every day putting them at risk for unnecessary complications. Single-use hydrophilic catheters for intermittent catheterization lower the risk for short and long term complications and are a convenient and preferred choice for many patients.

Suprapubic Catheterization - 72937

Suprapubic placement of an indwelling catheter may be regarded as a convenient and useful short term bladder management solution. However, intermittent catheterization remains the first therapeutic choice, whenever catheterization is necessary, due to its superior safety properties and low risks of urological complications.

Transanal irrigation in children - 73120

Bowel problems in children are common, up to 29% of children can be affected by functional constipation and functional fecal incontinence, where the symptom origin is not known.  Furthermore, bowel problems are common in children with indications such as spina bifida, Hirschsprung disease, and anorectal malformation.

Transanal irrigation TAI - 72967

Transanal irrigation (TAI) is a well-documented and safe bowel management therapy. Today, compliance is the major issue with TAI therapy, and may be improved through greater knowledge of which patient is best suited for TAI. 

Urinary Diversion and Intermittent Catheterization - 75943

There is a need for Intermittent Catheterization (IC) following several of the different surgical options used for urinary diversion at present. The use for IC in this category of patients is likely to increase over time as more and more patients receive neobladder or continent cutaneous diversions.

UTI and Hydrophilic Catheters - 75945

Bladder management with intermittent catheterization is associated with complications. The most severe and common one is UTI. Single-use, hydrophilic-coated catheters lower the risk of UTIs and have been reported as both convenient and the preferred choice for people who rely on intermittent catheterization as their bladder management.

Women and Intermittent Catheterization - 73038

Women in need of intermittent catheterization face unique challenges that require tailored solutions. A targeted introduction and gender-specific catheters and aids will help women achieve all advantages of intermittent catheterization. Women will gain independence in self-care with fewer complications and a better quality of life.