New device for intermittent emptying of the bladder in female children and adolescents: A pilot study

Salvador V C Lima1, Fábio O Vilar2, Eugênio S Lustosa3

  • 1Department of Surgery, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, UFPE, Brazil.

Insights

A new intraurethral self-retaining device (ISRD) offers a safe and effective alternative for managing urinary incontinence in female children. This device improved quality of life and minimized urethral trauma compared to clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Pediatric Urology
  • Medical Devices

Background:

  • Urinary incontinence (UI) presents significant challenges in urology.
  • Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is standard but associated with pain, urethral injury, and reduced quality of life.
  • A novel intraurethral self-retaining device (ISRD) was developed as a potential alternative to CIC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the ISRD in female children and adolescents with UI.
  • To assess the ISRD as an alternative to CIC for bladder emptying.
  • To determine the impact of ISRD on patient quality of life.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective clinical pilot study was conducted at a single institution.
  • Participants included female children and adolescents with UI secondary to myelomeningocele already using CIC.
  • Assessments involved visual analogue scales, adverse event reporting, and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) for quality of life.

Main Results:

  • The ISRD demonstrated efficiency and was well-tolerated by 84% of patients.
  • A significant improvement in quality of life was observed in pediatric patients (p<0.0001).
  • The ISRD showed advantages over CIC, including minimized urethral trauma and outpatient management feasibility.

Conclusions:

  • The ISRD is an effective and secure bladder-draining device for pediatric patients with urinary retention and incontinence.
  • The device significantly improved quality of life as measured by the KHQ.
  • The ISRD promotes patient autonomy, enhancing social interaction and school life.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography01:22

Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG) and Cystography are specialized radiographic procedures used to examine the structure and function of the bladder and urethra.Voiding Cystourethrography (VCUG)A Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that assesses the anatomy and function of the lower urinary tract. It focuses on the bladder, bladder neck, and urethra, helping detect abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)—the backward or reverse flow of urine into the...
2.8K
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems01:21

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
68
The Micturition Reflex01:26

The Micturition Reflex

Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating...
3.2K
Urinary Bladder01:23

Urinary Bladder

The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular sac that temporarily stores urine before it is expelled from the body. It can hold approximately 600 mL of urine prior to micturition. The bladder is retroperitoneal and located behind the pubic symphysis in the pelvic floor.
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
3.9K
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination01:28

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...
4.3K