Difficulty in removing suprapubic urinary catheters in home based patients: a comparative descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Nursing Practice
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Suprapubic catheters are used for urinary drainage.
• Catheter removal can present challenges for community nurses and patients.
• Understanding factors influencing removal difficulty is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To monitor difficulties community nurses face when removing suprapubic catheters.
• To identify specific catheter brands or patient factors associated with removal challenges.
• To assess the impact of patient medications and catheter material on removal.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 94 patients requiring suprapubic catheter removal across two Sydney health services.
• Monitoring and recording of difficulties experienced by community nurses during catheter removal.
• Data collection on patient factors, including medication use, and catheter characteristics.

Main Results:

• The Simpla catheter brand was linked to increased patient pain, bleeding, and nurse-reported removal difficulties.
• Patient use of muscle relaxant medications significantly facilitated easier catheter removal.
• Over 50% of all-silicone catheters exhibited hysteresis, causing balloon cuffing upon deflation, potentially increasing tract trauma.

Conclusions:

• Specific suprapubic catheter brands and patient factors influence removal outcomes.
• All-silicone catheter hysteresis is a significant concern potentially causing patient trauma.
• A review of the risks and benefits of all-silicone catheters for suprapubic insertion is warranted.