A modified urinary catheterisation technique to reduce urine leakage: A prospective randomised study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Devices
• Patient Care

Background:

• Long-term indwelling catheters are essential for individuals with bladder management difficulties.
• Urine leakage is a frequent complication associated with indwelling urinary catheters.
• Current catheterisation methods present challenges in preventing urine leakage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a modified catheterisation technique in reducing urine leakage incidence.
• To compare the outcomes of a modified technique against conventional catheterisation.
• To identify factors associated with urine leakage in catheterised patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with participants assigned to either conventional or modified catheterisation groups.
• The modified technique involved measuring and adjusting balloon inflation to achieve optimal catheter front-end curvature (120-145°).
• Baseline characteristics, success rates, and procedure durations were assessed and found to be similar between groups.

Main Results:

• The modified catheterisation group experienced significantly less residual urine volume (11 mL vs. 30.5 mL) compared to the conventional group (p<0.001).
• Patients in the modified group reported substantially more leakage-free days (30 days vs. 10 days) (p<0.001).
• Leakage-free survival was notably longer in the modified catheterisation group (p<0.001), with residual urine volume independently associated with leakage.

Conclusions:

• The modified catheterisation technique demonstrates potential in decreasing the incidence of urine leakage.
• This technique offers an improved approach to bladder management for catheter users.
• Further research may validate this modified technique for widespread clinical adoption.