Incontinence and clean intermittent catheterization following spinal cord injury

Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is commonly used by individuals with neuropathic bladder dysfunction caused by spinal injury. Although the incidence of urologic complications such as infection, calculi, and urethral erosion have been documented for patients managed by CIC, little is known about the incidence or characteristics of urinary incontinence among these patients. One hundred and fifty patients who had been discharged on CIC were investigated via a structured interview. Contrary to speculations in the literature, only 54% of those individuals who performed CIC experienced any incontinent episodes and 53% of those noted only episodic incontinence, with minimal or moderate volume leakage. A variety of strategies were used to attempt to prevent urinary leakage. Generally, patients demonstrated a lack of knowledge concerning nonpharmacological strategies to alleviate incontinence. This research provides a basis for nursing management strategies to reduce the incidence and severity or urinary leakage among spinal injured patients managed by intermittent catheterization.