Safety of daily ethanol locks for urinary catheters in critically ill children: a pilot study

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections represent a significant medical burden in critically ill children. Ethanol locks have been shown to be effective and safe for central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention and we propose utilizing this strategy for urinary catheters. Because this has never been done, we evaluated its safety with a pilot study hypothesizing that ethanol locks in urinary catheters would result in negligible alcohol absorption and negligible irritation of the bladder.

The management of prostatic obstruction with urethral stents

INTRODUCTION

Elderly men with multiple comorbidities may be unfit to undergo surgical management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Permanent and temporary prostatic stents have been developed as an alternative to chronic indwelling catheters in men unfit for surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Herein we review the past and present literature on the role and effectiveness of prostatic stents in the treatment of BPO.

RESULTS

Permanent prostatic stents have largely been abandoned in North America due to unfavorable outcomes and improved technologies to allow for treatment of BPO. Currently, the temporary Spanner stent is the only available stent on the market, but its effectiveness has mostly been documented for temporary relief of tissue edema following minimal invasive ablative treatments for BPO.

CONCLUSIONS

The advent of well-tolerated surgical treatments for BPO (KTP laser vaporization, bipolar TURP, urethral lift devices) has diminished the need for permanent prostatic stents. The temporary Spanner stent is an alternative to urethral catheter, but requires adequate detrusor function and can cause irritative symptoms.

Urinary catheters: history, current status, adverse events and research agenda

For more than 3500 years, urinary catheters have been used to drain the bladder when it fails to empty. For people with impaired bladder function and for whom the method is feasible, clean intermittent self-catheterization is the optimal procedure. For those who require an indwelling catheter, whether short- or long-term, the self-retaining Foley catheter is invariably used, as it has been since its introduction nearly 80 years ago, despite the fact that this catheter can cause bacterial colonization, recurrent and chronic infections, bladder stones and septicaemia, damage to the kidneys, the bladder and the urethra, and contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. In terms of medical, social and economic resources, the burden of urinary retention and incontinence, aggravated by the use of the Foley catheter, is huge. In the UK, the harm resulting from the use of the Foley catheter costs the National Health Service between £1.0-2.5 billion and accounts for ∼2100 deaths per year. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of an alternative indwelling catheter system. The research agenda is for the new catheter to be easy and safe to insert, either urethrally or suprapubically, to be retained reliably in the bladder and to be withdrawn easily and safely when necessary, to mimic natural physiology by filling at low pressure and emptying completely without damage to the bladder, and to have control mechanisms appropriate for all users.

Foley Catheter for Induction of Labor at Term: An Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

This study aimed to determine the optimal Foley catheter balloon volume (30-mL vs. 80-mL) and the maximum time for cervical ripening (12 hours vs. 24 hours) to improve vaginal delivery rate within 24 hours of induction.

Methods

We conducted an open-label, randomized controlled trial in a teaching hospital in China. Women with a term singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation, intact membrane and an unfavorable cervix (Bishop score <6) were randomly allocated, in 1:1:1:1 ratio, to receive either one of the four treatments: (1) 30-mL balloon for a maximum of 12 hours, (2) 30-mL balloon for a maximum of 24 hours, (3) 80-mL balloon for a maximum of 12 hours, and (4) 80-mL balloon for a maximum of 24 hours. The primary outcome was vaginal delivery within 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included cesarean section rate and maternal/neonatal morbidity. Data were analyzed on a per-protocol basis.

Results

Five hundred and four women were recruited and randomized (126 women in each group); nine women did not receive the assigned intervention. More women achieved vaginal delivery within 24 hours in 12-hour Foley catheter groups than in the 24-hour Foley catheter groups (30-mL/12 hours: 54.5%, 30-mL/24 hours: 33.1%, 80-mL/12 hours: 46.4%, 80-mL/24 hours: 24.0%, p < 0.001). Cesarean section rates and the incidence of chorioaminonitis were comparable among four groups. After adjustment for confounding factors, both ripening time and balloon size did not affect the proportion of women delivered vaginally within 24 hours of induction.

Conclusion

For women with an unfavorable cervix at term, induction of labor with a Foley catheter is safe and effective. Higher balloon volume (80-mL vs. 30-mL) and longer ripening time (24 hours vs. 12 hours) would not shorten induction to delivery interval or reduce cesarean section rate.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical trial registry (ChiCTR-TRC-13003044)

Indwelling versus Intermittent Urinary Catheterization following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

The purpose of this study is to compare the rates of urinary tract infection (UTI) and postoperative urinary retention (POUR) in patients undergoing lower limb arthroplasty after either indwelling urinary catheterization or intermittent urinary catheterization.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) to compare the rates of UTI and POUR in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty after either indwelling urinary catheterization or intermittent urinary catheterization. A comprehensive search was carried out to identify RCTs. Study-specific risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled. Additionally, a meta-regression analysis, as well as a sensitivity analysis, was performed to evaluate the heterogeneity.

Results

Nine RCTs with 1771 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the rate of UTIs between indwelling catheterization and intermittent catheterization groups (P>0.05). Moreover, indwelling catheterization reduced the risk of POUR, versus intermittent catheterization, in total joint surgery (P<0.01).

Conclusions

Based on the results of the meta-analysis, indwelling urinary catheterization, removed 24-48 h postoperatively, was superior to intermittent catheterization in preventing POUR. Furthermore, indwelling urinary catheterization with removal 24 to 48 hours postoperatively did not increase the risk of UTI. In patients with multiple risk factors for POUR undergoing total joint arthroplasty of lower limb, the preferred option should be indwelling urinary catheterization removed 24-48 h postoperatively.

Level of Evidence

Level I.

Breakdown of simple female genital fistula repair after 7 day versus 14 day postoperative bladder catheterisation: a randomised, controlled, open-label, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Duration of bladder catheterisation after female genital fistula repair varies widely. We aimed to establish whether 7 day bladder catheterisation was non-inferior to 14 days in terms of incidence of fistula repair breakdown in women with simple fistula.

METHODS

In this randomised, controlled, open-label, non-inferiority trial, we enrolled patients at eight hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. Consenting patients were eligible if they had a simple fistula that was closed after surgery and remained closed 7 days after surgery, understood study procedures and requirements, and agreed to return for follow-up 3 months after surgery. We excluded women if their fistula was not simple or was radiation-induced, associated with cancer, or due to lymphogranuloma venereum; if they were pregnant; or if they had multiple fistula. A research assistant at each site randomly allocated participants 1:1 (randomly varying block sizes of 4-6; stratified by country) to 7 day or 14 day bladder catheterisation (via a random allocation sequence computer generated centrally by WHO). Outcome assessors were not masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome was fistula repair breakdown, on the basis of dye test results, any time between 8 days after catheter removal and 3 months after surgery. The non-inferiority margin was 10%, assessed in the per-protocol population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01428830.

FINDINGS

We randomly allocated 524 participants between March 7, 2012, and May 6, 2013; 261 in the 7 day group and 263 in the 14 day group. In the per-protocol analysis, ten (4%) of 250 patients had repair breakdown in the 7 day group (95% CI 2-8) compared with eight (3%) of 251 (2-6) in the 14 day group (risk difference 0·8% [95% CI -2·8 to 4·5]), meeting the criteria for non-inferiority.

INTERPRETATION

7 day bladder catheterisation after repair of simple fistula is non-inferior to 14 day catheterisation and could be used for management of women after repair of simple fistula with no evidence of a significantly increased risk of repair breakdown, urinary retention, or residual incontinence up to 3 months after surgery.

FUNDING

US Agency for International Development.

Modified Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion: Comparison with a Conventional Method

PURPOSE

The conventional trocar and cannula method in peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion has its limitation in clinical setting. The aim of this study was to compare a modified method for percutaneous PD catheter insertion with the conventional method, and demonstrate advantages of the modified method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients at a single center who had percutaneous PD catheters inserted by nephrologists from January 2006 until September 2012, using either a modified method (group M) or the conventional trocar and cannula method (group C), were retrospectively analyzed, in terms of baseline characteristics, complications experienced up to 3 months after the procedure, and the suitability of the procedure for patients.

RESULTS

Group M included 82 subjects, while group C included 66 cases. The overall early complication rate in group M (1.2%) was significantly lower than that in group C (19.7%) (p<0.001). The catheter revision rate during timeframe for early complications was significantly lower in group M (0%) than in group C (6.1%) (p=0.024). When comparing Procedure time (1 h 3 min±16 min vs. 1 h 36 min±19 min, p<0.01), immediate post-procedural pain (2.43±1.80 vs. 3.14±2.07, p<0.05), and post-procedure days until ambulation (3.95±1.13 days vs. 6.17±1.34 days, p<0.01), group M was significantly lower than group C. There was no significant difference in total hospitalization period (14.71±7.05 days vs. 13.86±3.7 days).

CONCLUSION

Our modified PD catheter insertion method shows its advantages in early complication rate, early complications revision rate, and the patients' conveniences.

A Web-Based Self-Management Intervention for Intermittent Catheter Users

A new Web-based self-management intervention was developed for persons with spinal cord injury who use intermittent urinary catheters. Included are a description of the components, examples from the educational book, and multiple screen shots of the online urinary diary.

Transurethral resection of the prostate--"now and then"

The number of transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP) performed each year is decreasing. The aim of this study was to assess a cohort of patients undergoing TURP and compare this to one twenty years earlier in terms of procedure, complications and outcomes. A retrospective comparative analysis of one hundred consecutive TURPs performed in 2010 was compared to one hundred cases performed in 1990. Fifty-five (55%) had a urinary catheter (UC) in situ pre-operatively in 2010 compared to 22 (22%) in 1990. The length of catheterisation time was significantly longer in 2010 compared with 1990 (average 65 days vs 20 days). Infective complications occurred in six (6%) patients in 2010 and three (3%) in the 1990 cohort. Patients who had UCs in situ preoperatively for longer periods had a higher rate of infective complications and more serious complications. This highlights the importance of early specialist referral for patients diaqnosed with urinary retention.

Traumatic catheterisation: a near miss

A 68-year-old man presented with acute urinary retention. An indwelling catheter was inserted by a junior doctor, which immediately caused perineal pain to the patient. When asked about the catheterisation technique, the junior doctor admitted that he did not insert the catheter to the hilt prior to inflating the balloon. The patient was investigated with a pelvic CT scan and a senior doctor in the emergency department interpreted that the catheter was inserted extravesically with possible haemorrhage. However, subsequent cystoscopy revealed no urethral trauma but a small bladder and a diverticulum. It became clear that the suspected haemorrhage was actually the bladder with markedly thickened wall. What was thought to be the bladder turned out to be the diverticulum. Both pathologies were attributable to chronic bladder outlet obstruction from the occlusive prostate. The patient was discharged with a catheter in situ and planned for transurethral resection of prostate in a week's time.

Identifying and applying a targeted evidence-based practice change in the maternal/child health inpatient setting

As the literature on implementation research continues to expand, it's important to address the unique aspects and challenges of research dissemination and implementation in maternal/child health settings. This article describes a nurse-initiated evidence-based practice (EBP) study on urinary catheterization at a labor and delivery unit in the southwestern United States. It describes successful strategies for implementing EBP, as well as barriers encountered, and provides recommendations for the facilitation of EBP in the maternal/child inpatient setting.

Effectiveness of Multifaceted Hospitalwide Quality Improvement Programs Featuring an Intervention to Remove Unnecessary Urinary Catheters at a Tertiary Care Center in Thailand

Objective.

To evaluate the efficacy of a multifaceted hospitalwide quality improvement program that featured an intervention to remind physicians to remove unnecessary urinary catheters.

Methods.

A hospitalwide preintervention-postintervention study was conducted over 2 years (July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2006). The intervention consisted of nurse-generated daily reminders that were used by an intervention team to remind physicians to remove unnecessary urinary catheters, beginning 3 days after insertion. Clinical, microbiological, pharmaceutical, and cost data were collected.

Results.

A total of 2,412 patients were enrolled in the study. No differences were found in the demographic and/or clinical characteristics of patients between the preintervention and postintervention periods. After the intervention, reductions were found in the rate of inappropriate urinary catheterization (mean rate, preintervention vs postintervention, 20.4% vs 11% [P = .04]), the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) (mean rate, 21.5 vs 5.2 infections per 1,000 catheter-days [P <.001]), the duration of urinary catheterization (mean, 11 vs 3 days [P < .001]), and the total length of hospitalization (mean, 16 vs 5 days [P < .001]). A linear relationship was seen between the monthly average duration of catheterization and the rate of CA-UTI (r = 0.89; P < .001). The intervention had the greatest impact on the rate of CA-UTI in the intensive care units (mean rate, preintervention vs postintervention, 23.4 vs 3.5 infections per 1,000 catheter-days [P = .01]). The monthly hospital costs for antibiotics to treat CA-UTI were reduced by 63% (mean, $3,739 vs $1,378 [P < .001]), and the hospitalization cost for each patient during the intervention was reduced by 58% (mean, $366 vs $154 [P < .001]).

Conclusions.

This study suggests that a multifaceted intervention to remind physicians to remove unnecessary urinary catheters can significantly reduced the duration of urinary catheterization and the CA-UTI rate in a hospital in a developing country.

Two methods of cervix ripening: intracervical Foley catether and dinoprostone - which one is actually more efficient?

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate which of the two analyzed methods of preinduction: intracervical Foley catether and intracervical dinoprostone is related to higher rate of successful vaginal delivery in shorter time and to shorter hospitalization after the delivery.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of 198 patients with unfavorable cervix for labor induction (Bishop score ≤ 6), hospitalized at 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, was carried out. In 105 patients labor preinduction was conducted with Foley catheter (study group) and in 93 with intracervical dinoprostone (control group).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences regarding patients' age, body mass index (BMI), weight gain during the pregnancy, duration of pregnancy and parity between the groups. 68.6% of patients in the study group and 65.6% in the control group delivered vaginally (p=0.65). In the study group significantly less women developed spontaneous onset of labor (36.2% vs 66.7%; p<0.001). The time from preinduction to delivery onset and from preinduction to vaginal delivery were longer in the study group (780 min vs 489 min; 1682 min vs 920 min; p<0.001). The time of hospitalization after the delivery was significantly shorter in the study group (4.1 days vs 6.8; (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both Foley catheter and dinoprostone seem to be equally effective in achieving vaginal delivery. In terms of time effectiveness Foley catheter preinduction is related to longer time from preinduction to delivery, nevertheless shorter time of hospitalization.

Voiding difficulties in the elderly

Voiding difficulties are more common in the elderly. This occurs because of physiological changes such as replacement of muscle fibres with collagen, from life effect insults such as the effects of childbirth, lead to a reduction in contractility and changes in the nerve supply from cholinergic to NANC fibres lead to a change in sensation leading to a delay in first sensation. Symptoms are often similar to those of overactive bladder and the history in older women should include those of hesitancy and poor flow. Likewise, the diagnosis should be considered in women presenting with recurrent urinary tract infections. A failure to consider voiding difficulties can precipitate a crisis and simple strategies such as teaching self-catheterization and using estrogen cream may prevent problems occurring. When acute problems occur, catheterization is required and a review of precipitating factors may identify medications contributing to the condition. The mainstay for treatment, however, remains draining with an indwelling catheter or clean intermittent clean catheterisation.

Early postoperative bladder training in patients submitted to radical hysterectomy: is it still necessary? A randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the role of bladder training during postoperative hospital stay in patients submitted to nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy, and to identify any clinical or surgical factor associated with postoperative bladder dysfunction.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Parallel group randomized single institution trial, on gynaecologic malignancies patients conducted in Catholic University of Sacred Heart Rome, between April 2009 and November 2011. Randomization was on 1:1, using a block randomized computer-generated list.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients underwent Querleu-Morrow type B2 or C1 radical hysterectomy. After 2 days from surgery, patients were randomized to perform or not bladder training (scheduled clamping and unclamping of the trans-urethral catheter every three hours). Main outcome measures Necessity and duration of clean intermittent self catheterization.

RESULTS

Randomized participants were 111 women (bladder training arm n = 55; control arm n = 56). A total of 22 women (19.8%) required clean intermittent self catheterization, equally distributed in the two arms. At univariate analysis, only the type of radical hysterectomy was significantly associated with need of clean intermittent self catheterization (type C1 vs. type B2; p = 0.013). At univariate analysis, duration of clean intermittent self-catheterization was not associated with age, BMI, type of hysterectomy and of neo-adjuvant treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional bladder disfunctions are the most common long-term complications following radical hysterectomy. Systematic postoperative bladder training following nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy does not influence the rate of urinary retention or re-admission for bladder catheterization.

[Nurse questionnaire survey about the urethral catheterization and clinical analysis of iatrogenic urethral injury]

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed at determining the status of iatrogenic urethral injury associated with insertion of urethral catheters at our hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We studied the data of 32 patients with iatrogenic urethral injury at our hospital. We also carried out a questionnaire survey of 150 nurses who could be in charge of urethral catheter insertions, and conducted an analysis based on the answers obtained from 133 of the 150 nurses (response rate 88.7%).

RESULTS

The 32 patients included 14 patients with reduced activity of daily living (ADL) who required assistance in daily life (44%), 4 patients with spinal cord injury (13%), and 4 patients under anesthesia or sedation (13%). Acute complications included sepsis in 5 patients (16%) and septic shock in 3 patients (9%). Long-term urethral catheterization was indicated in all the patients with sepsis. Examination of the responses to the questionnaire showed that while 86% of the nurses said "I inject water to fix the balloon after confirming urine outflow," 7% answered "I inject water into the balloon even if there is no urine outflow"; 46% said "I compress the lower abdomen when there is no urine outflow," 6% said "I perform urinary bladder irrigation," and 48% said "I neither compress the lower abdomen when there is no urinary flow nor perform urinary bladder irrigation".

CONCLUSION

Nearly half of the patients with iatrogenic urethral injury at our hospital had reduced ADL. In the patients in whom long-term catheterization was indicated, urethral injury at the time of regular replacement of a catheter was associated with a high likelihood of sepsis occurring as a complication. Based on the results of the questionnaire, more than 80% of the nurses complied with the rule that water to fix the balloon must be injected only after confirming urinary outflow at the time of inserting a urethral catheter. However, when there was no urine outflow after insertion of the catheter, there were variations in the procedure to handle the situation. In the education of nurses, training on the appropriate actions that must be taken in this situation appears to be important.

Intermittent catheterisation for long-term bladder management

BACKGROUND

Intermittent catheterisation is a commonly recommended procedure for people with incomplete bladder emptying. There are now several designs of intermittent catheter (e.g. different lengths, 'ready to use' presentation) with different materials (e.g. PVC-free) and coatings (e.g. hydrophilic). The most frequent complication of intermittent catheterisation is urinary tract infection (UTI), but satisfaction, preference and ease of use are also important to users. It is unclear which catheter designs, techniques or strategies affect the incidence of UTI, which are preferable to users and which are most cost effective.

OBJECTIVES

To compare one type of catheter design versus another, one type of catheter material versus another, aseptic catheterisation technique versus clean technique, single-use (sterile) catheters versus multiple-use (clean) catheters, self-catheterisation versus catheterisation by others and any other strategies designed to reduce UTI and other complications or improve user-reported outcomes (user satisfaction, preference, ease of use) and cost effectiveness in adults and children using intermittent catheterisation for incomplete bladder emptying.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE in process, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 30 September 2013), the reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings, and we attempted to contact other investigators for unpublished data or for clarification.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or randomised cross-over trials comparing at least two different catheter designs, catheterisation techniques or strategies.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors assessed the methodological quality of trials and abstracted data. For dichotomous variables, risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were derived for each outcome where possible. For continuous variables, mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each outcome. Because of trial heterogeneity, it was not always possible to combine data to give an overall estimate of treatment effect.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-one trials met the inclusion criteria, including 13 RCTs and 18 cross-over trials. Most were small (less than 60 participants completed), although five trials had more than 100 participants. There was considerable variation in length of follow-up and definitions of UTI. Participant dropout was a problem for several trials, particularly where there was long-term follow-up to measure incidence of UTI. Fifteen trials were more than 10 years old and focused mainly on comparing different catheterisation techniques (e.g. single versus multiple-use) on clinical outcomes whereas, several more recent trials have focused on comparing different types of catheter designs or materials, especially coatings, and user preference. It was not possible to combine data from some trials owing to variations in the catheters tested and in particular the catheter coatings. Where there were data, confidence intervals around estimates were wide and hence clinically important differences in UTI and other outcomes could neither be identified nor reliably ruled out. No study assessed cost-effectiveness.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Despite a total of 31 trials, there is still no convincing evidence that the incidence of UTI is affected by use of aseptic or clean technique, coated or uncoated catheters, single (sterile) or multiple-use (clean) catheters, self-catheterisation or catheterisation by others, or by any other strategy. Results from user-reported outcomes varied. The current research evidence is weak and design issues are significant. More well-designed trials are strongly recommended. Such trials should include analysis of cost-effectiveness because there are likely to be substantial differences associated with the use of different catheter designs, catheterisation techniques and strategies.

Multicenter cohort study to assess the impact of a silver-alloy and hydrogel-coated urinary catheter on symptomatic catheter-associated urinary tract infections

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a silver-alloy hydrogel catheter on symptomatic catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).

DESIGN

Multicenter before-after non-randomized cohort study.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

Seven acute care hospitals ranging in size from 124 to 607 beds participated in this study. The study population included adult patients with a positive urine culture 2 or more days after admission, who underwent Foley catheterization.

METHODS

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection surveillance was conducted at each hospital for at least 3 months during the use of a standard catheter and 3 months during the use of the silver-alloy hydrogel catheter. Both the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance and a clinical definition of CAUTI were used for rate calculation.

RESULTS

A 47% relative reduction in the CAUTI rate was observed with the silver-alloy hydrogel catheter compared to the standard catheter when both infection definitions were used (0.945/1000 patient days vs 0.498/1000 patient days) (odds ratio = 0.53; P < .0001; 95% CI: 0.45-0.62). When only NHSN-defined CAUTIs were considered, a 58% relative reduction occurred in the silver-alloy hydrogel period (0.60/1000 patient days vs 0.25/1000 patient days) (odds ratio = 0.42; P < .0001; 95% CI: 0.34-0.53). Antimicrobial days for CAUTIs decreased from 1165 (standard catheter period) to 406 (silver-alloy hydrogel period).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a silver-alloy hydrogel urinary catheter reduced symptomatic CAUTI occurrences as defined by both NHSN and clinical criteria.

[Foley catheter versus urethral stent plus gastric tube for urine drainage following urethroplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the advantages and disadvantages of the Foley catheter draining method versus the urethral stent plus gastric tube draining method for urine drainage following urethroplasty for hypospadias.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 361 cases of hypospadias treated by urethroplasty. After operation, 91 of the cases received urine drainage with the Foley catheter (group A) and 270 with a urethral stent plus a gastric tube (group B). We compared the incidence rates of bladder irritation, fistula, urethral stricture, and urethral diverticulum between the two groups of patients.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between groups A and B in the incidences of bladder irritation (9.89% vs 10.70%, P > 0.05) and urethral diverticulum (1.09% vs 2.22%, P > 0.05). The incidence rate of fistula was markedly higher in group A than in B (20.80% vs 13.30%, P < 0.05), and so was that of urethral stricture (10.90% vs 5.55%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The urethral stent plus gastric tube draining method is more effective than the Foley catheter draining method for urine drainage following urethroplasty.

[Catheter-associated urinary tract infection]

Nosocomial urinary tract infections are the most common nosocomial infections. Their main risk factor is the urinary catheter The daily incidence of acquisition of microorganisms in the urine of a patient with a urinary catheter is 3 to 10% per day of catheterization, representing a cumulative risk of 100% after 30 days. The Gram-negative bacilli account for about two-thirds of isolated microorganisms led by Escherichia col. To prevent infections occurring with urinary catheterization, indications of the latter should be limited. When catheterization is essential, strict hygiene rules and proper use must be respected. Antibiotic treatment of infection with urinary catheter must take into account the diffusion of antibiotic, resistance of the main bacteria involved and patient characteristics.

New developments in ureteral stent design, materials and coatings

Ureteral stents are used in a variety of urological diseases and procedures. The majority of patients with indwelling ureteral stents experience bothersome symptoms and are at increased risk for urinary tract infection. Stent encrustation and the associated complications can also result in significant patient morbidity. The development of new stent designs using novel biomaterials, stent coatings and drug-eluting technologies are being applied to reduce the disadvantageous features of ureteral stents.

Foley drainage tubing configuration affects bladder pressure: a bench model study

A bench model was created to measure and analyze pressures in a simulated bladder and an actual urine drainage system. Fluid-filled dependent (generally U-shaped) loops in the urine drainage tubing generated back-pressure (in units of cm H2O), directly related to the difference in fluid meniscus heights (in units of cm) across the dependent loop that interfered with emptying of the simulated bladder. If the results obtained with a simulated bladder occur in actual bladders with indwelling urinary catheters, retained urine volume (that can promote urinary tract infection) will increase with larger differences in meniscus heights across the dependent loop due to increased back-pressure. Dependent loops in urine drainage tubing should be avoided. If the dependent loops cannot be avoided or a configuration without dependent loops cannot be maintained, they should be routinely emptied of urine, especially if the bag-side meniscus is higher than the bladder-side meniscus.

Transurethral resection of prostate: early versus delayed removal of catheter

BACKGROUND

Transurethral resection of prostate is the gold standard operation for bladder outflow obstruction due to benign prostatic enlargement. However, catheter removal day is variable. The objective of this study was to compare early and delayed catheter removal groups in terms of length of hospital stay, weight of resected prostate, duration of resection, peri-operative blood transfusion, and postoperative complications.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was carried out in Urology Unit-B, Institute of Kidney Diseases Peshawar from 1st September 2009 to 31st July 2011. Patients were selected by simple random sampling technique after taking informed consent and divided into two groups: Group A-standard catheter removal group and Group B-early catheter removal group. The study excluded patients with large post-void urine volume, simultaneous internal urethrotomy and transurethral resection of prostate, co-morbidity and intra-operative complications. Patients were discharged after removal of catheter if they voided successfully. In Group-A the catheters were kept for more than one day according to the standard protocol of our ward. The data were analysed using SPSS-17.

RESULTS

The study included 320 patients, 163 in Group-A and 157 in Group-B. Mean weight of resected tissue in Group-A was 46.67 ± 9.133 grams; it was 45.22 ± 7.532 grams in group B. Mean catheter removal day was 4.13 ± 1.65 days in Group-A; and 1.23 ± 0.933 days in Group-B. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.57 days ± 1.028 in Group-A and 1.29 days ± 1.030 in Group-B (p-value < 0.05). Length of hospital stay strongly correlated with the day of catheter removal. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Removal of catheter on first postoperative day after transurethral prostatectomy does not increase the postoperative complications and results in shorter hospital stay.

Posterior urethral stricture repair following trauma and pelvic fracture

Posterior urethral injuries typically arise in the context of a pelvic fracture.The correct and appropriate initial treatment of associated urethral rupture is critical to the proper healing of the injury. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature with special emphasis on the various treatments available: open or endoscopic primary realignment, immediate or delayed urethroplasty after suprapubic cystostomy, and delayed optical urethrotomy.

[Infectious-inflammatory complications of cerebral insulitis]

Pneumonia and urinary tract infections develop in roughly 1/3 of the survivors of cerebral stroke. Post-stroke pneumonia results from aspiration and uroinfection from neurogenic disturbances of urination and bladder catheterization. Post-stroke immune deficiency increases the risk of infectious and inflammatory complications. These conditions are treated in accordance with the general principles of management of these diseases. Prophylaxis of pneumonia is reduced to the principle of "nothing orally" before the swallowing capacity is tested, early mobilization, and oral cavity hygiene. Studies on the role of prophylactic antibiotic therapy and ACE inhibitors in the prevention of post-stroke pneumonia are currently underway. Bladder catheterization under strict indications and the use ofcatheters coated with antibacterial agents or condom urine bags in men are likely to reduce the risk of uroinfection. Infectious and inflammatory complications impair the outcome of stroke. Their prophylaxis and adequate treatment are prerequisites of successful recovery after stroke.

Patterns of urinary catheter consults in a tertiary care hospital

INTRODUCTION

We reviewed the consultation patterns for difficult urethral catheter placement in tertiary care hospitals and developed a treatment algorithm for this common request.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified all urethral catheter consults obtained by urology residents at three tertiary care hospitals from October 2009 through October 2010. Only consults for inability to place urethral catheter by the referring team were included; hematuria or clot retention were excluded. Patient age, date of consultation, consulting service, prior urologic history, initial number of attempts, and final outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

Eighty-one consults were recorded. Seventy-seven (96%) were male; the median age was 65 years. The most common consulting services were internal medicine (35%), intraoperative consults (17%), and the intensive care unit (17%). In 90% of cases, an initial attempt at catheter placement was attempted; 62% of these were made by nurses. Over half of patients had known urologic pathology. In 70% of cases, successful placement without other adjuncts was achieved by the urology resident. Twenty percent of patients required cystoscopic manipulation; nine percent required suprapubic tube placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Catheterization was achieved without adjunct procedures in the majority of consults. These results support an algorithm in which all patients without a prior history of lower urinary tract pathology should undergo an initial placement attempt by the primary service physician. They also underscore the need for educational efforts to improve non-urologists' comfort level with placement of a standard Foley or Coudé catheter.

Changing a urethral or suprapubic catheter: the patient's perspective

Understanding the patient's perspective in any area of health care is now recognised as being crucial to good practice, but little is known about patients' views on living with an indwelling urinary catheter. In this study, 36 people living with either a urethral or suprapubic catheter across the UK were interviewed. After thematic analysis, the authors interpreted what they learned. Many issues were raised, including the need to know who was responsible for changing the catheter, the importance of continuity of care, 24-hour access to services, and good hygiene. Patients valued nurses with training and experience, with plenty of time, who took care and who listened to what mattered to the patient. The patient's perspective is important at all levels, not only when designing and planning an integrated continence service, but also in delivering services in the community.

Is it possible to use the rectus abdominis neo-sphincter as a continence mechanism for urinary catheterizable channels? A histologic and histochemical evaluation in an experimental study in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate in a rabbit experimental model a mechanism of continence of catheterizable urinary conduits (CUC), focusing on the behavior of intersected rectal muscle fibers in relation to the channel by histological and histochemical analysis, and secondarily to register conduit continence rates from clinical and urodynamic data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

12 rabbits were submitted to construction of a CUC from two abdominal skin flaps and divided into two groups: 8 with a urinary neo-sphincter created according to Yachia and 4 controls. We registered clinical outcome, urodynamic studies and microscopic analysis of CUC on the surface of the conduit, which was in direct contact with the mechanism of continence. We took muscle samples from the mechanisms of continence and performed histochemical evaluation by enzymatic reactions.

RESULTS

Histological evaluation of the CUC showed no difference between groups. Histology and immunohistochemistry of the muscle fibers showed that areas of necrosis, cell atrophy and motor neuron injury from the first eight weeks recovered by the end of 16th week. Conduit complications occurred in 4 animals (33%). The average detrusor leakage point pressure through the conduit was 90 cm H2O versus 39 cm H2O through the urethra.

CONCLUSION

The mechanism of continence did not promote ischemic stress on the conduit, was able to promote high pressure resistance and showed good recovery of intersected muscle fibers, after an initial slight atrophy, suggesting good durability of the neo-sphincter.

Catheter policies for management of long term voiding problems in adults with neurogenic bladder disorders

BACKGROUND

Management of the neurogenic bladder has the primary objectives of maintaining continence, ensuring low bladder pressure (to avoid renal damage) and avoiding or minimising infection. Options include intermittent urethral catheterisation, indwelling urethral or suprapubic catheterisation, timed voiding, use of external catheter (for men), drug treatment, augmentation cystoplasty and urinary diversion.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to determine the effects of different methods of managing long-term voiding problems (persisting after three months) with catheters in patients with neurogenic bladder.Specific hypotheses to be addressed included:1. that intermittent catheterisation is better than indwelling catheterisation;2. that indwelling urethral catheterisation is better than suprapubic catheterisation;3. that external (sheath) catheters are better than indwelling or intermittent urethral catheters;4. that external (sheath) catheters are better than suprapubic catheters;5. that intermittent catheterisation is better than timed voiding.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 3 July 2013), which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and MEDLINE in process, and handsearched journals and conference proceedings. We sought additional trials from other sources such as the reference lists of relevant articles and by contacting consultants in Spinal Cord Injury Centres throughout the United Kingdom.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing methods of using catheters to manage urinary voiding in people with neurogenic bladder.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Abstracts were independently inspected by the reviewers and full papers were obtained where necessary.

MAIN RESULTS

Approximately 400 studies were scrutinised. No trials were found that met the inclusion criteria, and five studies were excluded from the review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Despite a comprehensive search no evidence from randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials was found. It was not possible to draw any conclusions regarding the use of different types of catheter in managing the neurogenic bladder.

Teaching intermittent catheterisation: barriers

Intermittent catheterisation can be used to empty the bladder, avoiding the need for an indwelling catheter. Patients must be taught the technique by a competent Inteand well-trained health professional, with their individual needs taken into account.

Acquired male urethral diverticulum: a complication following artificial urethral sphincter implantation

The authors report a case of a 72-year-old patient who underwent radical prostatectomy in 2003 due to prostate cancer. During follow-up, he presented with permanent and severe urinary stress incontinence for which he underwent an artificial urinary sphincter implantation in 2009. After infection of the device, followed by the development of a urinary fistula, the artificial urinary sphincter was removed. He presented no new signs or symptoms for 2 years, during which he remained completely incontinent. In April 2012, he developed a painless scrotal swelling close to the median raphe. On manual compression, it showed urinary leakage and disappeared completely, only to reappear several hours later. Auxiliary examinations revealed a bulbar urethral diverticulum which was subsequently excised. A urethroplasty was performed during the same procedure. The patient presented with no further complications. Although still suffering from complete urinary incontinence, he refused any kind of surgery for the time being.

Comparison of 3 upper tract anticarcinogenic agent delivery techniques in an ex vivo porcine model

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the degree of urothelial exposure using 3 upper tract delivery techniques in an ex vivo porcine model, to determine the optimal modality to locally deliver topical anticarcinogenic agents in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An indigo carmine solution was infused into en bloc porcine urinary tracts to test the 3 techniques: antegrade infusion via nephrostomy tube, reflux via indwelling double-pigtail stent, and retrograde administration via a 5F open-ended ureteral catheter. Nine renal units (3 per delivery method) were used. After a 1-hour dwell time, the urinary tracts were bivalved and photographed. Each renal unit was evaluated by 3 blinded reviewers who estimated the total percentage of stained urothelial surface area using a computer-based area approximation system. In addition, as a surrogate for exposure adequacy, a validated equation was used to calculate the staining intensity at 6 predetermined locations in the upper tract, with lower values representing more efficient staining.

RESULTS

Mean percent of surface area stained for the nephrostomy tube, double-pigtail stent, and open-ended ureteral catheter groups was 65.2%, 66.2%, and 83.6%, respectively (P = .002). Mean staining intensities were 40.9, 33.4, and 20.4, respectively (P = .023).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that retrograde infusion via open-ended ureteral catheter is the most efficient method of upper tract therapy delivery. Larger studies using in vivo models should be performed to further validate these findings and potentially confirm this method as optimal for delivery of topical anticarcinogenic agents in upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Catheter lubrication and fixation: interventions

This article looks at the indications for catheterisation, the anatomy of the urethra, the importance of asepsis and the rationale for the use of urethral lubrication for catheter insertion. The variations of lubrication available are discussed, including the use of products containing lidocaine and chlorhexidine. It then considers the problems caused by traction to the catheter and discusses the securement devices available for preventing tissue damage at the bladder neck, within the urethra and also at the meatus. The variation of devices is examined along with the potential problems associated with their use. Finally, it discusses the importance of clinicians being knowledgeable about the problems looked at and how to resolve them.

Intermittent versus indwelling urinary catheterisation in hip surgery patients: a randomised controlled trial with cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Hip surgery is associated with the risk of postoperative urinary retention. To avoid urinary retention hip surgery patients undergo urinary catheterisation. Urinary catheterisation, however, is associated with increased risk for urinary tract infection (UTI). At present, there is limited evidence for whether intermittent or indwelling urinary catheterisation is the preferred choice for short-term bladder drainage in patients undergoing hip surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate differences between intermittent and indwelling urinary catheterisation in hip surgery patients in relation to nosocomial UTI and cost-effectiveness.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial with cost-effectiveness analysis.

SETTING

The study was carried out at an orthopaedic department at a Swedish University Hospital.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy hip surgery patients (patients with fractures or with osteoarthritis) were randomly allocated to either intermittent or indwelling urinary catheterisation. Data collection took place at four time points: during stay in hospital, at discharge and at 4 weeks and 4 months after discharge.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients contracted nosocomial UTIs, 8 in the intermittent catheterisation group and 10 in the indwelling catheterisation group (absolute difference 2.4%, 95% CI -6.9-11.6%) The patients in the intermittent catheterisation group were more often catheterised (p<0.001) and required more bladder scans (p<0.001) but regained normal bladder function sooner than the patients in the indwelling catheterisation group (p<0.001). Fourteen percent of the patients in the intermittent group did not need any catheterisation. Cost-effectiveness was similar between the indwelling and intermittent urinary catheterisation methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Both indwelling and intermittent methods could be appropriate in clinical practice. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages but by not using routine indwelling catheterisation, unnecessary catheterisations might be avoided in this patient group.

Short-term versus long-term catheterization after vaginal prolapse surgery

Utero-vaginal prolapse is one of the commonest cause for vaginal operations in our country. The expense of this operation can be reduced by reducing duration of catheterization and thereby reducing hospital stay. A prospective, comparative hospital based study was used to assess whether removal of an in-dwelling catheter after 24 hours of vaginal operations with anterior colporrhaphy affects the rate of recatheterization, asymptomatic urinary tract infections, and hospital stay in comparison to 72 hours catheterization. We assigned 100 women who underwent vaginal operations. In-dwelling catheter was removed after 24 hours in group A and after 72 hours in group B. The association between Post-operative urinary retention, pus cells count > 5 per High Power Field, bacterial culture positivity and the length of catheterization were assessed by Chi square test. Recatheterization occurred in three patients (6%) of group A and none in group B (P value 0.241). Mean hospital stay after operation was 3.42 days in group A and 4.48 days in group B. Asymptomatic urinary tract infections (pus cells > 5 per High Power Field) occured in nine (18%) in group A and fifteen (30%) in group B (P value 0.16). Bacterial culture positivity occured in seven (14%) in group A and twenty-two (44%) in group B (P value 0.001). Despite increased recatheterization rate, early removal of in-dwelling catheters after uncomplicated vaginal hysterectomy pelvic floor repair and anterior colporrhaphy decreased mean catheterization time, mean hospital stay and asymtomatic urinary tract infection.

Detrusorectomy reduces the need for augmentation and use of antimuscarinics in children with neuropathic bladders

OBJECTIVE

To assess bladder behaviour and long-term outcome after detrusorectomy in children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 1990 and 2001, 49 detrusorectomies were performed (mean follow-up: 9.6 years) in children with neuropathic bladders (mean age at surgery: 9.8 years). Urodynamic study (UDS) was done before surgery (pre-UDS) and after surgery (UDS-1 and UDS-2). Bladder behaviour was assessed as good, fair or poor depending on the volume and intravesical pressure. In all patients, oxybutynin and clean intermittent catheterization were used preoperatively. In 24 patients, good bladder compliance and capacity were seen before detrusorectomy.

RESULTS

Good and fair outcomes were observed in 35 (71%) patients at 1 year and in 39 (79%) patients 6 years after detrusorectomy. In 30 (60%) patients, there was hardly any difference between the first and second follow-up. In 9 (18%) patients, formal bowel bladder augmentation was necessary: in 6 (12%) because of poor compliance and in 3 because of small bladder volume and incontinence. Seven patients improved during follow-up, 5 of them after resuming oxybutynin. In 11 patients, oxybutynin could be stopped, and in 2 the dosage could be reduced to once daily.

CONCLUSIONS

The good short-term results of detrusorectomy generally remain unchanged at long-term follow-up. Detrusorectomy can reduce the need for antimuscarinics, and the need for formal bladder augmentation in selected cases.