[Management of voiding dysfunction in elderly patients: prognosis 1 year after discharge from hospital]

We investigated how 293 elderly patients who had been successfully treated to be free of catheters or diapers managed to urinate one year after their discharge from our hospital. Of 192 patients who returned to their own home 154 (80%) had good activities in daily life (ADL), and of 101 who moved to a nursing home or other hospital only 7 (7%) had good ADL. Among the 192 in their own home, 151 (79%) remained free of catheters or diapers thanks to the home care services provided by trained nurses belonging to our hospital. However, among the 101 at other facilities 21 (21%) could avoid these appliances. Furthermore, those who stayed in their own home with poor ADL had a significantly higher rate of being independent of catheters or diapers (34%) compared to those who lived in facilities other than their home with poor ADL (13%). These findings indicate that the elderly patients who reside in their own home or have good ADL possess a better chance of avoiding catheters or diapers compared to those who live in other than their residence or have poor ADL, and that continued urological care coupled with the home-visiting services is effective and important in attaining these aims.