Persistent Barriers to Timely Catheter Removal Identified from Clinical Observations and Interviews

Optimised Protocol for Managing Failed Catheterisation: Leveraging Bedside Retrograde Urethrography and Cystourethroscopy

Introduction Urethral catheterization is a routine procedure often required for many hospitalized patients. Various conditions, such as meatal stenosis, stricture urethra, false passage, benign prostatic hyperplasia, bladder neck contractures, and impacted urethral stones, can contribute to difficulty in catheterisation. In the setting of failed attempts at per urethral catheter placement, the subsequent intervention is suprapubic catheter (SPC) insertion. SPC placement has its associated complications and causes inconvenience to the patients. We framed an algorithm to minimise the need for SPC insertion in cases of difficult per urethral catheterisation in a non-trauma setting. This study aimed to evaluate the common causes of difficult per urethral catheterisation and establish the efficacy of our algorithm in managing difficult catheterisation with bedside retrograde urethrography (RGU) and cystoscopy while avoiding SPC placement. Materials and methods This prospective observational study was conducted from September 2022 to June 2024. Patients admitted with urinary retention or requiring routine catheterisation, with one failed attempt at catheterisation, were included in the study. Our algorithm for the management of difficult catheterisation in a non-trauma setting, to avoid SPC, integrates a bedside RGU and retrograde urethroscopy using either a 15.5 Fr cystoscope sheath or a 6 Fr ureteroscope to identify the urethral pathology, followed by dilatation and per urethral catheterisation. Results Among 55 patients (aged 34-82 years), 48 (87.27%) were male and seven (12.73%) were female. The most common indication for catheterisation was routine catheterisation for output monitoring (n = 30; 54.54%), followed by acute retention (n = 25; 45.45%). Bulbar urethral stricture (n = 28; 50.9%) was the most common cause of difficult catheterisation, followed by meatal/sub-meatal narrowing (n = 13; 23.63%), enlarged prostate or high bladder neck (n = 4; 7.27%), and impacted stones (n = 3; 5.45%). Successful catheterisation was achieved in 48 male patients following urethroscopy with a 6 Fr ureteroscope or 15.5 Fr cystoscope. In females, reducing the pelvic organ prolapse enabled catheterisation in two cases, while five required serial dilatation and catheterisation. Successful per-urethral catheterisation was achieved in all 55 (100%) patients, thus avoiding SPC. Conclusions Conventional blind catheterisation techniques have limited success in the setting of failed initial catheterisation. This approach, which employs bedside fluoroscopy and direct visualisation of the urethra using a cystoscope or ureteroscope, helped achieve higher success rates (n = 55; 100%) for difficult per-urethral catheterisation and avoided the need for SPC. Proper implementation of this protocol for dealing with difficult per-urethral catheterisation will reduce the unnecessary burden on the healthcare system by minimising the potential iatrogenic urethral injuries and reducing the need for SPC.

Evaluating the effectiveness of early urethral catheter removal combined with intermittent catheterization for promoting early recovery of bladder function after laparoscopic radical hysterectomy: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Bladder dysfunction, notably urinary retention, emerges as a significant complication for cervical cancer patients following radical hysterectomy, predominantly due to nerve damage, severely impacting their postoperative quality of life. The challenges to recovery include insufficient pelvic floor muscle training and the negative effects of prolonged postoperative indwelling urinary catheters. Intermittent catheterization represents the gold standard for neurogenic bladder management, facilitating bladder training, which is an important behavioral therapy aiming to enhance bladder function through the training of the external urethral sphincter and promoting the recovery of the micturition reflex. Nevertheless, gaps remain in current research regarding optimal timing for intermittent catheterization and the evaluation of subjective symptoms of bladder dysfunction.

METHODS

Cervical cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy will be recruited to this randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to either early postoperative catheter removal combined with intermittent catheterization group or a control group receiving standard care with indwelling urinary catheters. All these patients will be followed for 3 months after surgery. The study's primary endpoint is the comparison of bladder function recovery rates (defined as achieving a Bladder Function Recovery Grade of II or higher) 2 weeks post-surgery. Secondary endpoints include the incidence of urinary tract infections, and changes in urodynamic parameters, and Mesure Du Handicap Urinaire scores within 1 month postoperatively. All analysis will adhere to the intention-to-treat principle.

DISCUSSION

The findings from this trial are expected to refine clinical management strategies for enhancing postoperative recovery among cervical cancer patients undergoing radical hysterectomy. By providing robust evidence, this study aims to support patients and their families in informed decision-making regarding postoperative bladder management, potentially reducing the incidence of urinary complications and improving overall quality of life post-surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2200064041, registered on 24th September, 2022.

Impact of early postoperative indwelling urinary catheter removal: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Indwelling urinary catheters (IDUCs) are associated with complications and early removal is therefore essential. Currently, it is unknown what the effect of a specific removal time is and what the consequences of this removal time are.

RESEARCH QUESTION

To present an overview of the available evidence to determine the effects of three postoperative IDUC removal times (after a certain number of hours, at a specific time of day and flexible removal time) on the development of complications in hospital.

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, Embase, Emcare and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched till 6 June, 2021. Studies were included that described the effect of the removal time in relation to re-catheterisation, urinary tract infections (UTIs), ambulation time, time of first voiding and hospital stay. The quality of the studies was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care. A narrative descriptive analysis was performed. PRISMA guidelines were followed in reporting this review.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were included from which 18 compared removal after a number of hours, 1 reported on a specific removal time and 1 reported on both topics. The results were contradicting regarding the hypothesis that later removal increases the incidence of UTIs. Earlier removal does not lead to a higher re-catheterisation rate while immediate removal is beneficial for reducing the time to first ambulation and shortening the hospital stay. Studies reporting on specific removal times did not find differences in outcomes. No study addressed flexible removal time.

CONCLUSIONS

There is inconclusive evidence that earlier removal results in less UTIs, despite the incidence of UTIs increasing if the IDUC is removed ≥24 h. Immediate or after 1-2 day(s) removal does not lead to higher re-catheterisation rates while immediate removal results in earlier ambulation and shorter length of hospital stay.

IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

Nurses should focus on early IDUC removal while being aware of urinary retention.

Reducing Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) by Reducing Central Line Days

Purpose of Review

While reducing unnecessary days present of central venous catheters (CVCs) is part of central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) best practices, there is limited information regarding compliance with this recommendation as well as addressing barriers to compliance.

Recent Findings

Significant work has been directed towards daily audits of necessity and improving communication between members of the medical team. Other critical interventions include utilization of the electronic health record (EHR), leadership support of CLABSI reduction goals, and avoiding CVC placement over more appropriate vascular access.

Summary

Institutions have varied approaches to addressing the issue of removing idle CVCs, and more standardized approaches in checklists as well as communication, particularly on multidisciplinary rounds, will be key to CVC removal. Utilization of the EHR for reminders or appropriate documentation of necessity is a factor. Avoidance of placing a CVC or appropriateness of the CVC is also important to consider.

Undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of the current content and pedagogical approaches used in PIVC education. A qualitative, descriptive study

BACKGROUND

The peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) is the most frequently used invasive medical device. PIVCs fail for a variety of reasons and failure often results in serious adverse events leading to patient discomfort, delays in treatment, increased health care costs and even death. Undergraduate nurses assess and manage PIVCs as part of their clinical learning. To date, no study has explored undergraduate nurses' perceptions of the education they receive about PIVCs.

AIM

We sought to critically explore the current state of education regarding PIVCs from the perspectives of undergraduate nurses.

METHODS

This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with third-year undergraduate nurses. Data were collected across two sites in Queensland, Australia. Fourteen face-to-face interviews were conducted and a modified 5-step qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data.

FINDINGS

We identified three key domains relating to participants' experiences of PIVC education: 1) Universities provide foundational knowledge about PIVC assessment, management and removal; 2) Clinical practice consolidates and drives undergraduate nurses' knowledge, skills and confidence about PIVCs; and 3) inconsistencies in clinical practice and between individual clinicians impedes learning and knowledge translation about PIVCs.

CONCLUSION

Nursing students benefit from theoretical content delivered in the university setting. Practical application of theory and skill development whilst on clinical placement is variable. The current undergraduate curriculum, related to management of patients with a PIVC, is disjointed and inconsistent and this inconsistency may negatively impact patient safety.