[Experience with polyurethane intraurethral stents in aged patients]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Biomaterials Science

Context:

• Elderly patients often present with complex urological conditions, including urinary retention and incontinence, frequently making them unsuitable for surgical interventions.
• Indwelling urinary catheters are common, but complications like blockage and infection necessitate effective management strategies.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a double Malecot-like 16F polyurethane intraurethral catheter (IUC) in elderly patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.
• To determine optimal duration for IUC indwelling and identify factors associated with successful insertion and complications.

Summary:

• A polyurethane intraurethral catheter (IUC) was inserted in 25 elderly patients (mean age 77.5 years), most unfit for surgery.
• Twenty-nine insertions were successful, with patients voiding without residual urine; anticholinergic drugs were needed in 9/21 patients.
• Catheter blockage occurred in 9/17 patients with indwelling IUC >112 days, suggesting a recommended replacement interval of 110-120 days. Ten insertions failed due to malposition, migration, or retention.

Impact:

• This study highlights the potential of the double Malecot-like IUC as a viable option for managing urinary issues in frail elderly patients.
• Findings suggest a need for timely catheter replacement to mitigate risks of blockage and ensure continued efficacy.
• The study provides valuable data for urologists managing complex cases in elderly populations, informing clinical decision-making regarding intraurethral device selection and management.