Short-term Urethral Catheters Research Articles

Effect of a Temporary Thermo-Expandable Stent on Urethral Patency After Dilation or Internal Urethrotomy for Recurrent Bulbar Urethral Stricture: Results from a 1-Year Randomized Trial

The long-term success rate of dilation and/or internal urethrotomy is low in cases of recurrent urethral stricture. We investigated the ability of the Memokath™ 044TW stent to maintain urethral patency after dilation or internal urethrotomy for recurrent urethral stricture. A total of 92 patients with recurrent bulbar urethral strictures (mean length 2.7 cm) were treated with dilation or internal urethrotomy and randomized to short-term urethral catheter diversion (29) or insertion of a Memokath 044TW stent (63). The primary end point was urethral patency, as assessed by passage of a calibrated endoscope. Secondary end points included urinary symptoms and uroflowmetry parameters. Stents were scheduled to remain in situ for 12 months. The rate of successful stent insertion was 93.6% (59 of 63 patients). In stented patients patency was maintained significantly longer than controls (median 292 vs 84 days, p <0.001). Patency was reflected in significantly improved uroflowmetry and symptom scores. The stent was removed in 100% of patients. The most frequently noted side effects in stented patients were bacteriuria, hematuria and penile pain, which were usually mild and transient. There was no difference in sexual function between stented and control patients. Stent dislocation and occlusion were observed in 8 and 3 patients, respectively. Patients with recurrent bulbar urethral strictures treated with dilation or urethrotomy and a Memokath 044TW stent maintained urethral patency significantly longer than those treated with dilation or urethrotomy alone. The stent side effect profile was favorable. The stent was straightforward to insert and it was removed without difficulty even after long-term placement.

Non-inferiority of short-term urethral catheterization following fistula repair surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundA vaginal fistula is a devastating condition, affecting an estimated 2 million girls and women across Africa and Asia. There are numerous challenges associated with providing fistula repair services in developing countries, including limited availability of operating rooms, equipment, surgeons with specialized skills, and funding from local or international donors to support surgeries and subsequent post-operative care. Finding ways of providing services in a more efficient and cost-effective manner, without compromising surgical outcomes and the overall health of the patient, is paramount. Shortening the duration of urethral catheterization following fistula repair surgery would increase treatment capacity, lower costs of services, and potentially lower risk of healthcare-associated infections among fistula patients. There is a lack of empirical evidence supporting any particular length of time for urethral catheterization following fistula repair surgery. This study will examine whether short-term (7 day) urethral catheterization is not worse by more than a minimal relevant difference to longer-term (14 day) urethral catheterization in terms of incidence of fistula repair breakdown among women with simple fistula presenting at study sites for fistula repair service.Methods/DesignThis study is a facility-based, multicenter, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the new proposed short-term (7 day) urethral catheterization to longer-term (14 day) urethral catheterization in terms of predicting fistula repair breakdown. The primary outcome is fistula repair breakdown up to three months following fistula repair surgery as assessed by a urinary dye test. Secondary outcomes will include repair breakdown one week following catheter removal, intermittent catheterization due to urinary retention and the occurrence of septic or febrile episodes, prolonged hospitalization for medical reasons, catheter blockage, and self-reported residual incontinence. This trial will be conducted among 512 women with simple fistula presenting at 8 study sites for fistula repair surgery over the course of 24 months at each site.DiscussionIf no major safety issues are identified, the data from this trial may facilitate adoption of short-term urethral catheterization following repair of simple fistula in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01428830.

Decreased Urethral Mucosal Damage and Delayed Bacterial Colonization During Short-Term Urethral Catheterization Using a Novel Trefoil Urethral Catheter Profile in Rabbits

We evaluated the efficacy of a novel catheter with a trefoil profile to decrease urothelial irritation and delay catheter associated urinary tract infections by comparing it with a conventional catheter in the rabbit model. A novel catheter was made of medical silicone with a trefoil profile design. A total of 66 male New Zealand White rabbits were anesthetized and equally randomized into a control or a novel trefoil profile catheter group. Of the animals 10 per group were sacrificed at days 2, 4 and 8 of catheterization, respectively. Urine samples were cultured and urethral tissues were histopathologically evaluated. The remaining 6 rabbits were selected for urethral endoscopic assessment at day 10. After 4 days of catheterization the novel trefoil catheter profile decreased the rate of bacteriuria, defined as less than 100 cfu/ml, in 3 rabbits with a novel catheter vs that in 8 with a control catheter (p <0.05). Histopathological assessment revealed minor differences in staining in the short term. Endoscopic assessment showed more obvious mucosal inflammatory changes in 2 of the 3 controls than in the 3 rabbits with a novel catheter. Results demonstrate that the novel catheter harbors a property of decreasing urothelial irritation and delaying catheter associated urinary tract infection. This advantage over conventional catheters makes it a potential alternative for short-term catheterization. Clinical trials are forthcoming.

Urethral catheterization of the female rat

Urinary tract catheterization of the rat may be required for a variety of clinical and experimental reasons. The external urinary orifice is easily visualized and rests anterior to the vaginal opening, making urinary tract catheterization easier in the female rat than in other species. This column describes a technique for short-term urethral catheterization in the adult female rat.

A systematic review of the management of short-term indwelling urethral catheters to prevent urinary tract infections.

Background Indwelling urinary catheterisation is a relatively common procedure in hospital settings, associated with potential risk of infection. Around 80% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are associated with urinary catheters and the risk of infection increases in patients who are acutely ill. The objective of this review was to present the best available critically appraised evidence related to preventing infections associated with the use of short-term indwelling urethral catheters. This review is an update of a previous review published in 2004. Review methods The review considered randomised controlled trials that included adult patients with short-term indwelling urinary catheters. The main interventions related to catheterisation techniques, meatal care, catheter composition, bladder irrigation, drainage systems, care delivery practices and education programs. The primary outcome of interest was the difference in the rates of UTIs between the intervention group and control group. This review was limited to short-term urethral catheters, so studies that evaluated long-term or suprapubic catheters were excluded. Search strategy The search included both published and unpublished studies with an initial limited search of MEDLINE and CINAHL databases undertaken to identify key words contained in the title or abstract, and index terms used to describe relevant interventions. A second extensive search used all identified key words and index terms. The third step included a search of the reference lists and bibliographies of relevant articles. Methodological quality The methodological quality of the included papers was assessed using a checklist developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Two independent reviewers conducted critical appraisal and data extraction and any disagreements that arose were addressed through mutual discussion. Results The review found six new studies in relation to catheter composition and delivery care practices interventions. Studies from previous review have been reported on in the results, discussion and conclusion sections. No one type of catheter was found to be better than another in terms of reducing the risk of bacteriuria in hospitalised adults. The incidence of catheter associated bacteriuria and funguria (CABF) was lower in adult trauma patients when nitrofurazone-impregnated catheters were used. Nitrofurazone-coated and silver alloy-coated catheters reduced the development of asymptomatic bacteriuria during short-term (< 30 days) use when compared with latex or silicon control catheters. Studies that compared immediate versus delayed catheter removal following operations found that early removal of catheter after operation was safe and that there was a tendency for increased infection with longer duration of catheterisation. Stop (prewritten) orders for urinary catheters resulted in a significant reduction in duration of inappropriate catheterisation days. There was no significant difference in infection rate using either sterile surgical or non-sterile insertion technique. The use of water for cleansing prior to catheter insertion was recommended. There was no additional benefit from specific meatal care other than standard daily personal hygiene and removal of debris. Infection rates were similar for both latex and silicone catheters. Comparisons between silver and Teflon coating clearly favoured the silver alloy coating. The use of a complex closed drainage system in the intensive care environment did not confer any additional benefit. Studies comparing types of junction seals and use of junction seals either prior to or following catheterisation found no clear benefit from using either preconnected sealed systems or sealed systems with the addition of silver releasing devices. Neither the addition of chlorhexidine nor hydrogen peroxide to the drainage bag was found to be effective at reducing UTI rates. The findings indicated there was a higher incidence of bacteriuria associated with Foley catheters compared with intermittent catheterisation (P < 0.025). A single RCT examined the effect on UTI rates of routine bag changes against no routine TRUNCATED AT 600 WORDS

A systematic review of the management of short-term indwelling urethral catheters to prevent urinary tract infections

A systematic review of the management of short-term indwelling urethral catheters to prevent urinary tract infections

Removal of short-term indwelling urethral catheters

This information on best practice discusses the evidence for the removal of short-term indwelling urethral catheters. The article has been reproduced with the permission of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The article is derived from a systematic review of research published by the JBI,'Comparison of late night and early morning removal of short-term urethral catheters: a systematic review' (Fernandez et ol 2003), and another published in the Cochrane Library 'Policies for the removal of short-term indwelling urethral catheters' (Griffiths and Fernandez 2005). The primary references on which this information is based are available in the systematic review reports to members of the JBI via the website: www.joannabriggs.edu.au and the Cochrane Library.

Prophylactic single-dose prulifloxacin for catheter-associated urinary tract infection after tension-free vaginal tape procedure

The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether antibiotic prophylaxis with a single dose of prulifloxacin after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure decreases catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Patients undergoing TVT procedure receiving a single dose of prulifloxacin (600 mg) 10 h before catheter removal (n=54) were compared with historical controls who have had no treatment (n=60). All patients had an indwelling urethral catheter in situ for 24 h. Urine specimens for culture were collected preoperatively, before Foley removal, and 7 days postoperatively in both groups. Main outcome measures were significant bacteriuria and symptomatic UTI at catheter removal and 1 week postoperatively. No patient had a positive urine culture in the prulifloxacin group compared with 14 (23.3%) in the control group at catheter removal (P=0.0001). Ten out of 14 (71.4%) women with a positive catheter urine culture had a symptomatic UTI. One week after surgery no difference was found in the rate of significant bacteriuria between groups. Our data suggest that a prophylactic single dose of prulifloxacin could help to reduce the rate of symptomatic and asymptomatic UTIs after short-term urethral catheterization in women undergoing TVT procedure.

Ultrastructural stages of biofilm development of Escherichia coli on urethral catheters and effects of antibiotics on biofilm formation

Objectives Biofilm formation on biomaterials by various kinds of bacteria renders the infection chronic, and the bacteria can become resistant to the immune system and antibiotics. Developmental biofilm stages of Escherichia coli on urethral catheters have not yet been thoroughly demonstrated. We aimed to show biofilm formation of E. coli on urethral catheters, and the effects of various antibacterial agents on this formation using scanning electron microscopy. Methods Using urine infected with uropathogenic E. coli type O4 (10 5 to 10 6 colony forming units/mL), biofilm was formed on latex/silicone balloon catheters in a modified Robbin’s device. The study included an infected-only group and four antibiotic study groups (ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime, gentamicin, and trimethoprim). The catheters were infused with the antibiotic solutions once before placement in the modified Robbin’s devices. Ten 5-mm catheter samples were taken for all groups on the first, fourth, and seventh days. The 4 and 12-hour and 2-day samplings were also taken from the infected-only group. The catheter samples were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and given scores according to the level of formation. Results The biofilm layers emerged between 4 and 12 hours after infection in the infected-only group and had developed completely between 12 and 24 hours. The antibiotics, especially cefuroxime, significantly delayed this process for up to 4 days. However, the biofilm had developed completely in almost all catheter samples after 4 to 7 days. Conclusions Biofilm of E. coli on urethral catheters had completed their maturation at 12 to 24 hours. For short-term urethral catheterization, a single dose of antibiotic can delay the development of biofilm for up to 4 days but eventually cannot prevent it.

A pilot randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial on the use of antibiotics on urinary catheter removal to reduce the rate of urinary tract infection: the pitfalls of ciprofloxacin

OBJECTIVE To assess if a short course of antibiotics starting at the time of the removing a short-term urethral catheter decreases the incidence of subsequent urinary tract infection (UTI). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients across specialities with a urethral catheter in situ for ≥ 48 h and ≤ 7 days were recruited at the time of catheter removal. Patients were excluded if they had had recent genitourinary surgery or were on antibiotics. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to a 48-h course of either ciprofloxacin or placebo tablets starting 2 h before catheter removal. A catheter specimen of urine was obtained before the start of the trial medication. The follow-up was at 7 and 14 days after catheter removal, with a questionnaire for UTI symptoms, and a mid-stream urine sample was taken. RESULTS Forty-eight patients were recruited and had a complete follow-up (25 received ciprofloxacin and 23 placebo). Of the ciprofloxacin group, four patients (16%) had a UTI at the follow-up after catheter removal, and two were symptomatic. The UTI in two patients (including one of those symptomatic) was newly developed after catheter removal; the other two UTIs were a result of failure to resolve a catheter-associated UTI. All these UTIs in the ciprofloxacin group were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Of the placebo group, three patients (13%) had a UTI at the follow-up after removal, and one patient was symptomatic. The UTI, newly developed after catheter removal, was resistant to ciprofloxacin. The other two patients were asymptomatic; their UTIs were a result of failure to resolve a catheter-associated UTI, and one was resistant to ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS The risk of UTI (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) after removing a urethral catheter is real, even in absence of catheter-associated UTI before removal. UTIs occurring after removing a short-term urinary catheter had a high rate of resistance to ciprofloxacin. There was no detectable significant benefit in using prophylactic ciprofloxacin to reduce the UTI rate after catheter removal.

A pilot randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial on the use of antibiotics on urinary catheter removal to reduce the rate of urinary tract infection: the pitfalls of ciprofloxacin

To assess if a short course of antibiotics starting at the time of the removing a short-term urethral catheter decreases the incidence of subsequent urinary tract infection (UTI). Patients across specialities with a urethral catheter in situ for >/= 48 h and </= 7 days were recruited at the time of catheter removal. Patients were excluded if they had had recent genitourinary surgery or were on antibiotics. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to a 48-h course of either ciprofloxacin or placebo tablets starting 2 h before catheter removal. A catheter specimen of urine was obtained before the start of the trial medication. The follow-up was at 7 and 14 days after catheter removal, with a questionnaire for UTI symptoms, and a mid-stream urine sample was taken. Forty-eight patients were recruited and had a complete follow-up (25 received ciprofloxacin and 23 placebo). Of the ciprofloxacin group, four patients (16%) had a UTI at the follow-up after catheter removal, and two were symptomatic. The UTI in two patients (including one of those symptomatic) was newly developed after catheter removal; the other two UTIs were a result of failure to resolve a catheter-associated UTI. All these UTIs in the ciprofloxacin group were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Of the placebo group, three patients (13%) had a UTI at the follow-up after removal, and one patient was symptomatic. The UTI, newly developed after catheter removal, was resistant to ciprofloxacin. The other two patients were asymptomatic; their UTIs were a result of failure to resolve a catheter-associated UTI, and one was resistant to ciprofloxacin. The risk of UTI (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) after removing a urethral catheter is real, even in absence of catheter-associated UTI before removal. UTIs occurring after removing a short-term urinary catheter had a high rate of resistance to ciprofloxacin. There was no detectable significant benefit in using prophylactic ciprofloxacin to reduce the UTI rate after catheter removal.

Management of short-term indwelling urethral catheters to prevent urinary tract infections

Background This systematic review updates a previous review published in 2000. The objective of this review was to present the best available evidence relating to the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTI). Selection criteria This review considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adult patients with short-term urethral catheters. In the absence of RCTs, other research designs such as non-randomised controlled trials and before and after studies were considered for inclusion. Interventions of interest were those related to the prevention of catheter-related UTI and included: sterile versus non-sterile insertion technique, special coatings to catheters versus standard non-coated catheters, the use of flush solutions, the use of solutions added to urinary drainage bag, maintenance of a closed urinary drainage circuit, the use of antireflux valves, antibiotic creams applied to the external meatus–catheter interface, meatal care regimens, education programs, and changed care delivery practices. This review was limited to short-term urethral catheters, and so studies evaluating long-term or suprapubic catheters were excluded. The primary outcome of interest was the difference in the rates of UTI between experimental intervention and the control. Search strategy The search included both published and unpublished studies with an initial limited search of MEDLINE and CINAHL databases undertaken to identify key words contained in the title or abstract, and index terms used to describe relevant interventions. A second extensive search used all identified key words and index terms. The third step included a search of the reference lists and bibliographies of relevant articles. The databases searched included: CINAHL, MEDLINE, Current Contents, Cochrane Library, Expanded Academic Index, and Embase. The Dissertation Abstracts International database was searched for unpublished studies. Assessment of methodological quality Methodological quality was assessed using a standardised checklist. Critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers; discrepancies were addressed through discussion with a third reviewer as required. Results There was no significant difference in infection rate using either sterile surgical or non-sterile insertion technique. The use of water for cleansing prior to catheter insertion was recommended. There was no additional benefit from specific meatal care other than standard daily personal hygiene and removal of debris. Infection rates were similar for both latex and silicone catheters. Comparisons between silver and Teflon coating clearly favoured the silver alloy coating. The use of a complex closed drainage system in the intensive care environment did not confer any additional benefit. Studies comparing types of junction seals and use of junction seals either prior to or following catheterisation found no clear benefit from using either preconnected sealed systems or sealed systems with the addition of silver releasing devices. Neither the addition of chlorhexidine nor hydrogen peroxide to the drainage bag was found to be effective at reducing UTI rates. The findings indicated there was a higher incidence of bacteriuria associated with Foley catheters compared with intermittent catheterisation (P < 0.025). A single RCT examined the effect on UTI rates of routine bag changes against no routine bag change. Routine bag changes were not advantageous in reducing the risk of infection. Conclusions Current RCT evidence suggests the use of a surgical sterile catheterisation technique is not required, and that tap water is sufficient for cleaning genitalia. Following insertion, daily hygiene around the meatal area is as effective as catheter toilets; and catheters impregnated with silver may reduce the incidence of catheter associated bacteriuria. Sealed (e.g. taped, presealed) drainage systems should not be relied upon as the sole mechanism for prevention of bacteriuria. The addition of antibacterial solutions to drainage bags and the routine change of drainage bags had no effect on catheter associated infection. However, most of the recommendations arising from this review were based on single studies, often with limited numbers of participants. There is an urgent need to replicate these studies in other clinical settings.

Management of short-term indwelling urethral catheters to prevent urinary tract infections

Background This systematic review updates a previous review published in 2000. The objective of this review was to present the best available evidence relating to the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTI). Selection criteria This review considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adult patients with short-term urethral catheters. In the absence of RCTs, other research designs such as non-randomised controlled trials and before and after studies were considered for inclusion. Interventions of interest were those related to the prevention of catheter-related UTI and included: sterile versus non-sterile insertion technique, special coatings to catheters versus standard non-coated catheters, the use of flush solutions, the use of solutions added to urinary drainage bag, maintenance of a closed urinary drainage circuit, the use of antireflux valves, antibiotic creams applied to the external meatus-catheter interface, meatal care regimens, education programs, and changed care delivery practices. This review was limited to short-term urethral catheters, and so studies evaluating long-term or suprapubic catheters were excluded. The primary outcome of interest was the difference in the rates of UTI between experimental intervention and the control. Search strategy The search included both published and unpublished studies with an initial limited search of MEDLINE and CINAHL databases undertaken to identify key words contained in the title or abstract, and index terms used to describe relevant interventions. A second extensive search used all identified key words and index terms. The third step included a search of the reference lists and bibliographies of relevant articles. The databases searched included: CINAHL, MEDLINE, Current Contents, Cochrane Library, Expanded Academic Index, and Embase. The Dissertation Abstracts International database was searched for unpublished studies. Assessment of methodological quality Methodological quality was assessed using a standardised checklist. Critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers; discrepancies were addressed through discussion with a third reviewer as required. Results There was no significant difference in infection rate using either sterile surgical or non-sterile insertion technique. The use of water for cleansing prior to catheter insertion was recommended. There was no additional benefit from specific meatal care other than standard daily personal hygiene and removal of debris. Infection rates were similar for both latex and silicone catheters. Comparisons between silver and Teflon coating clearly favoured the silver alloy coating. The use of a complex closed drainage system in the intensive care environment did not confer any additional benefit. Studies comparing types of junction seals and use of junction seals either prior to or following catheterisation found no clear benefit from using either preconnected sealed systems or sealed systems with the addition of silver releasing devices. Neither the addition of chlorhexidine nor hydrogen peroxide to the drainage bag was found to be effective at reducing UTI rates. The findings indicated there was a higher incidence of bacteriuria associated with Foley catheters compared with intermittent catheterisation (P < 0.025). A single RCT examined the effect on UTI rates of routine bag changes against no routine bag change. Routine bag changes were not advantageous in reducing the risk of infection. Conclusions Current RCT evidence suggests the use of a surgical sterile catheterisation technique is not required, and that tap water is sufficient for cleaning genitalia. Following insertion, daily hygiene around the meatal area is as effective as catheter toilets; and catheters impregnated with silver may reduce the incidence of catheter associated bacteriuria. Sealed (e.g. taped, presealed) drainage systems should not be relied upon as the sole mechanism for prevention of bacteriuria. The addition of antibacterial solutions to drainage bags and the routine change of drainage bags had no effect on catheter associated infection. However, most of the recommendations arising from this review were based on single studies, often with limited numbers of participants. There is an urgent need to replicate these studies in other clinical settings.

Management of short-term indwelling urethral catheters to prevent urinary tract infections.

This systematic review updates a previous review published in 2000. The objective of this review was to present the best available evidence relating to the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTI). This review considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adult patients with short-term urethral catheters. In the absence of RCTs, other research designs such as non-randomised controlled trials and before and after studies were considered for inclusion. Interventions of interest were those related to the prevention of catheter-related UTI and included: sterile versus non-sterile insertion technique, special coatings to catheters versus standard non-coated catheters, the use of flush solutions, the use of solutions added to urinary drainage bag, maintenance of a closed urinary drainage circuit, the use of antireflux valves, antibiotic creams applied to the external meatus-catheter interface, meatal care regimens, education programs, and changed care delivery practices. This review was limited to short-term urethral catheters, and so studies evaluating long-term or suprapubic catheters were excluded. The primary outcome of interest was the difference in the rates of UTI between experimental intervention and the control. The search included both published and unpublished studies with an initial limited search of MEDLINE and CINAHL databases undertaken to identify key words contained in the title or abstract, and index terms used to describe relevant interventions. A second extensive search used all identified key words and index terms. The third step included a search of the reference lists and bibliographies of relevant articles. The databases searched included: CINAHL, MEDLINE, Current Contents, Cochrane Library, Expanded Academic Index, and Embase. The Dissertation Abstracts International database was searched for unpublished studies. Methodological quality was assessed using a standardised checklist. Critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers; discrepancies were addressed through discussion with a third reviewer as required. There was no significant difference in infection rate using either sterile surgical or non-sterile insertion technique. The use of water for cleansing prior to catheter insertion was recommended. There was no additional benefit from specific meatal care other than standard daily personal hygiene and removal of debris. Infection rates were similar for both latex and silicone catheters. Comparisons between silver and Teflon coating clearly favoured the silver alloy coating. The use of a complex closed drainage system in the intensive care environment did not confer any additional benefit. Studies comparing types of junction seals and use of junction seals either prior to or following catheterisation found no clear benefit from using either preconnected sealed systems or sealed systems with the addition of silver releasing devices. Neither the addition of chlorhexidine nor hydrogen peroxide to the drainage bag was found to be effective at reducing UTI rates. The findings indicated there was a higher incidence of bacteriuria associated with Foley catheters compared with intermittent catheterisation (P < 0.025). A single RCT examined the effect on UTI rates of routine bag changes against no routine bag change. Routine bag changes were not advantageous in reducing the risk of infection. Current RCT evidence suggests the use of a surgical sterile catheterisation technique is not required, and that tap water is sufficient for cleaning genitalia. Following insertion, daily hygiene around the meatal area is as effective as catheter toilets; and catheters impregnated with silver may reduce the incidence of catheter associated bacteriuria. Sealed (e.g. taped, presealed) drainage systems should not be relied upon as the sole mechanism for prevention of bacteriuria. The addition of antibacterial solutions to drainage bags and the routine change of drainage bags had no effect on catheter associated infection. However, most of the recommendations arising from this review were based on single studies, often with limited numbers of participants. There is an urgent need to replicate these studies in other clinical settings.

Comparison of late night and early morning removal of short-term urethral catheters

Comparison of late night and early morning removal of short-term urethral catheters

Comparison of late night and early morning removal of short-term urethral catheters

Background Indwelling urethral catheters (IUCs) are inserted in approximately 15–25% of all hospitalised patients mainly to assist clinicians to accurately monitor urine output during acute illness or following surgery, to treat urinary retention and for investigative purposes. However, this procedure is associated with significant morbidity. Although research has focused on the type and maintenance of urinary catheters and techniques for insertion, limited attention has been given to the procedures for their removal, in particular whether the time of day the IUC is removed influences patient outcomes. There is no consensus among clinicians about the optimal time for removal of IUCs, rather practices tend to be based on personal preference and tradition rather than on evidence from research. Objectives The objective of this review was to determine whether the timing of the removal of IUCs influences patient outcomes. The primary outcomes of interest included duration to and volume of first void; length of hospitalisation; number of patients developing urinary retention and number requiring recatheterisation. Secondary outcome measures included patient satisfaction and the percentage of IUCs removed according to the scheduled time for removal. Search strategy A literature search was performed using the following databases Medline (1966–2000), CINAHL (1982–2002), Nursing Collection (1995–2002), EMBASE (1980-current) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 2, 2002 of Cochrane Library). In addition, the reference lists of relevant trials and conference proceedings were also scrutinised. No language restrictions were applied. Company representatives, experts and investigators were contacted to elicit further information. Selection criteria All published and unpublished randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared the effects of the timing of removal of short-term IUC on patient outcomes were considered for inclusion in the review. Trials were included if they reported objective measures of time to and volume of the first void, length of hospital stay (number of hours from removal of the IUC to discharge), the number of patients who developed urinary retention following the removal of the IUC and the incidence of recatheterisation. Trials that included subjective measures of patient satisfaction were also considered for inclusion in the review. Data collection and analysis Eligibility of the trials for inclusion in the review, details of eligible trials and the methodological quality of the trials was assessed independently by two reviewers. All information was verified by a third reviewer. Odds ratios for dichotomous data and weighted mean differences for continuous data were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Where synthesis was inappropriate a narrative overview was undertaken. Trials were grouped according to the types of operation. Results Eight randomised controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of early morning versus late night removal of IUCs were eligible for this review. Four trials (three following urological surgery and procedures and one involving patients following gynaecological surgery) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the volume of the first void in patients whose IUCs were removed late at night compared to those removed in the morning. In the two trials on patients following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) there was no statistically significant difference in the volume of the first void. One trial that involved patients having gynaecological surgery reported that the time to first void was shorter when the IUC was removed at midnight (median 3 h 20 min) compared to early morning (median 5 h) (P = 0.012). Three trials undertaken on patients following urological surgery and procedures reported the time to first void was longer in patients whose IUCs were removed at midnight compared to those removed in the morning with all three trials demonstrating a statistically significant difference. The time to first void was shorter following TURP when IUCs were removed in the morning, although these results were not statistically significant. Patients who had their IUC removed at midnight were discharged from hospital significantly earlier (P < 0.00001) than those who had their IUC removed in the morning, which would result in potential cost savings for the hospitals. Conclusions Based on the limited available evidence, this review suggests a benefit in terms of patient outcomes and reduction in the length of hospitalisation following midnight removal of the IUCs. Further trials should be undertaken in wider settings and on specific groups of patients to enhance generalisability. The trials should also examine the efficacy of midnight or early morning IUC removal compared to removal at any time of the day.

Catheter-associated urinary infection in kidney post-transplant patients.

There is still controversy as to the use and dosage of antimicrobial prophylaxis of the urinary infection associated with urethral catheterization in the post renal transplant period. To determine whether patients develop urinary infection during short-term urethral catheterization after renal transplant without routine antimicrobial prophylaxis. Prospective study. Kidney Transplantation Unit. 20 patients submitted to non-complicated kidney transplant, with a normal urinary tract and no risk factors present regarding urinary infection. Aged 15 to 65 years. Before the transplant, material from the urethral meatus and urine were collected for culture. After the transplant, in the period during which the patient was with short-term urethral catheterization (4 to 5 days), material from the urethral meatus and urine from the bladder and the collecting bag were taken daily from all recipients for culture. There was a predominance of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and S. viridans in the normal urethral meatus flora and in the first two days of urethral catheterization. After the second day, there was a predominance of E. coli and E. faecalis. Urinary infection did not occur during the period of urethral catheterization. In the follow up only one female patient (7%) had asymptomatic bacteriuria caused by E.coli after the withdrawal of the urethral catheter. Infection urinary does not occur during the period of urethral catheterization in kidney post-transplant patients. Thus, antimicrobial prophylaxis is not recommended for these patients to prevent urinary infection.

The potential clinical and economic benefits of silver alloy urinary catheters in preventing urinary tract infection.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (UTI) is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. A recent meta-analysis concluded that silver alloy catheters reduce the incidence of UTI by 3-fold; however, clinicians must decide whether the efficacy of such catheters is worth the extra per unit cost of $5.30. To assess the clinical and economic impact of using silver alloy urinary catheters in hospitalized patients. The decision model, performed from the health care payer's perspective, evaluated a simulated cohort of 1000 hospitalized patients on general medical, surgical, urologic, and intensive care services requiring short-term urethral catheterization (2-10 days). We compared 2 catheterization strategies: silver alloy catheters and standard (noncoated) urinary catheters. Outcomes included the incidence of symptomatic UTI and bacteremia and direct medical costs. In the base-case analysis, use of silver-coated catheters led to a 47% relative decrease in the incidence of symptomatic UTI from 30 to 16 cases per 1000 patients (number needed to treat = 74) and a 44% relative decrease in the incidence of bacteremia from 4.5 to 2.5 cases per 1000 patients (number needed to treat = 500) compared with standard catheters. Use of silver alloy catheters resulted in estimated cost savings of $4.09 per patient compared with standard catheter use ($20.87 vs $16.78). In a multivariate sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation, silver-coated catheters provided clinical benefits over standard catheters in all cases and cost savings in 84% of cases. Using silver alloy catheters in hospitalized patients requiring short-term urinary catheterization reduces the incidence of symptomatic UTI and bacteremia, and is likely to produce cost savings compared with standard catheters.

A model to quantify encrustation on ureteric stents, urethral catheters and polymers intended for urological use.

To validate an encrustation model and to quantify encrustation on currently used urological devices and polymers intended for urological use. Materials and methods An encrustation model was validated: (i) to measure the amount of calcium leaching from the glass model and from the polymer used; (ii) to determine whether the use of a single-source or pooled urine produced similar results; (iii) to determine in vitro encrustation; and (iv) to compare the results of in vivo implantation of the same materials into the bladders of rodents with the in vitro results. A test polymer (a ureteric stent, a urethral catheter or a biomaterial) and a control silicone polymer were housed separately but received human urine from the same reservoir and under the same conditions (pH 6.0 and 37 degrees C) for 5 days. The amount of calcium encrustation on each polymer was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Each experiment was repeated at least four times and the results expressed as an encrustation index, defined as the ratio of encrustation of the test and reference polymers. The amount of calcium leaching from the glass model and polymers tested was insignificant. The use of a single-source or pooled urine gave the same results in the encrustation model. The in vitro results correlated with in vivo implantation of disks into the bladders of rats. Among the commonly used ureteric stents tested, the Cook C-Flex ureteric stents encrusted least. Hydrogel-coated ureteric stents encrusted more than uncoated stents. The Bard polytetrafluoroethylene short-term urethral catheter encrusted more than the Bard hydrogel-coated long-term catheter. A plasma-activated surface modification of a synthetic biomaterial with hyaluronic acid encrusted less than silicone, a long-term biomaterial widely regarded as the 'gold standard'. This validated encrustation model is the first to quantify encrustation on currently available ureteric stents and urethral catheters. A novel coating for a biomaterial was identified using the encrustation model, and which encrusted less than silicone.

Pancreas Transplantation and Dysuria

Bladder drainage of the pancreatic graft remains the most common technique in pancreatic transplantation. Graft and patient survival is superior to duct injection and bowel drainage techniques. However, several urological complications develop as a result of bladder drainage. We report 6 cases of the dysuria syndrome after combined kidney/pancreas transplantation. Retrograde urethrography or cystoscopy showed extravasation from the bulbous urethra in all cases, which was most likely caused by activated proteolytic exocrine enzymes from the transplanted pancreas. Minor urethral trauma due to Foley catheterization or cystoscopy may pre-dispose patients to this syndrome. Short-term urethral catheterization or suprapubic catheter drainage led to resolution in all cases. A high index of suspicion coupled with early intervention is recommended for patients with the dysuria syndrome.