[Complications and costs of indwelling catheters]

The complication rate and morbidity were registered in a group of 53 outpatients with indwelling catheters. The complication rate is found to be high, especially for patients with catheters on account og incontinence. It is also demonstrated that the transportation costs for the out-patients are high. It is recommended that ordinary changes of the catheter are carried out by specially trained "homenurses" if possible. The indications for indwelling catheter should regularly be reconsidered as needs and suitable measures are constantly changing.