Intermittent self-catheterisation: past, present and future

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Intermittent catheterisation (ISC) has been used for bladder dysfunction for millennia.
• Indwelling catheters, while beneficial for some, carry risks of infection and further bladder dysfunction.
• NICE guidance recommends ISC over indwelling catheters when clinically appropriate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the benefits of intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) for managing bladder dysfunction.
• To compare ISC with indwelling catheterisation, emphasizing risks and benefits.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical practices in bladder drainage.
• Analysis of current NICE guidance on catheterisation methods.
• Discussion of patient selection criteria for ISC.

Main Results:

• ISC is a preferred alternative to indwelling catheters for appropriate patients.
• Single-use hydrophilic or gel reservoir catheters are recommended for ISC.
• Addressing voiding problems with ISC can mitigate risks of infection and organ dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Intermittent self-catheterisation empowers patients with bladder dysfunction to regain control.
• ISC significantly improves health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
• Patient choice and appropriate catheter selection are key to successful ISC.