The Safety and Efficacy of the Indwelling Valve Catheters in the Long-term Catheterised Patients: A Systematic Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: There is paucity of data regarding the safety and efficacy of the valve catheters (VC). We aimed to prospectively evaluate our experience in regards to the safety and efficacy of the VC and compared it to patients with nonvalve catheters (NVC). Methods: Total 76 male patients were included in both the VC and NVC groups. The type of catheters was standardized by using Bard® manufacturer, United Kingdom. Patients were evaluated 4–6 weeks following catheterization by filling out a non-validated quality of life (QoL) questionnaire at their scheduled clinic visit. Results: Mean age was 75 years (range 62–85 years) and 77 years (range 66–88 years) in the VC and NVC groups respectively. There were comparable results of the VC and NVC groups. However, observed benefits were found in regards to the ease (4/5-point scale: 64% in VC and 53% in NVC), comfort of usage (4/5-point scale: 59% in VC and 54% in NVC), patient’s confidence (very confident: 95% in VC and 82% in NVC) (p > 0.05). Three bladder spasms were recorded in the VC group, compared to 2 in the NVC group. In contrast, only 1 urinary tract infection observed in the VC group, compare to 2 in the NVC group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that VC is a viable and patient friendly alternative. This may be partly explained by the functional mechanism of the VC mimicking the urinary bladder sphincters. Future research should aim to further improve its mechanical functionality.