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Coated catheters for intermittent catheterization: smooth or sticky?
M Fader1, K N Moore, A M Cottenden
1Continence Products Evaluation Network, University College London, UK. mfader@ucl.ac.uk
BJU International
|September 21, 2001
Summary
Hydrophilic-coated catheters for intermittent self-catheterization can adhere to the urethral mucosa. Two of four tested catheters showed significantly more adherence, a common issue with unknown clinical importance.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Devices
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) is a common procedure for bladder emptying.
- Hydrophilic-coated catheters are designed to reduce friction and improve comfort during ISC.
- Catheter adherence to the urethral mucosa is a potential complication of ISC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adherence of hydrophilic-coated catheters to the urethral mucosa during ISC.
- To compare the 'sticking' properties of four different hydrophilic-coated catheters available in the UK.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized study involving 61 men using four different hydrophilic-coated catheters for one week each.
- Subjects recorded catheterization time, severity of 'sticking' on removal (three-point scale), and completed a product-performance questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Adherence ('sticking') was a common problem across all tested catheters.
- Two catheters ('Aquacath' and 'Silky') demonstrated significantly more adherence than 'Easicath' and 'Lofric' (P < 0.001).
- 'Silky' showed significantly greater adherence than 'Aquacath' (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Hydrophilic-coated catheters can adhere to the urethral mucosa, with significant product-specific variations.
- The clinical significance and long-term implications of catheter adherence are not yet established.
- Further research is needed to compare adherence of coated versus uncoated catheters.