Complications of clean intermittent catheterization in young females with myelomeningocele: 10 to 19 years of followup.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the rate of complications associated with catheterization and the risk of urethral lesions in girls with myelomeningocele treated with clean intermittent catheterization for a minimum of 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the medical records of 31 females with myelomeningocele followed from the start of clean intermittent catheterization until age 11 to 20 years. Catheterization had been performed for a median of 15 years (range 10 to 19). Altogether, catheterization was used for a total of 459 patient-years. Noncoated polyvinyl chloride catheters were used in all cases. Anticholinergic treatment was given during 176 of the patient-years. RESULTS: Complications of catheterization were recorded in 13 patients on 20 occasions. Macroscopic hematuria was seen in 4 individuals. In 2 patients the hematuria was caused by urethral polyps that were cured by resection. Difficulties with catheterization occurred in 12 patients. The problems were solved by temporary use of lubrication or by other minor changes in management. There were no difficulties recorded after puberty. The risk of difficulties at catheterization doubled with the use of a Ch8 to Ch10 catheter compared to a Ch12 or larger catheter, and doubled during assisted clean intermittent catheterization compared to clean intermittent self-catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: There were remarkably few problems associated with clean intermittent catheterization in these females with myelomeningocele, despite long treatment periods and use of noncoated polyvinyl chloride catheters. Clean intermittent self-catheterization and large size catheters were associated with few complications.

Complications of clean intermittent catheterization in boys and young males with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the risk for urethral lesions and epididymitis in boys with neurogenic bladder dysfunction treated by clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) for a minimum of 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 28 males with neurogenic bladder dysfunction followed from the start of CIC until the age of 15 to 20 years were reviewed. RESULTS: CIC had been performed for a median of 16 years (range 10 to 21). Overall CIC was used for 438 years (265 before and 173 after puberty). During 76% of the years a noncoated polyvinyl chloride catheter with lubrication was used and in 24% of years a hydrophilic coated polyvinyl chloride catheter was used. The catheter size was 12C or greater in 43% of the cases. Independence from self-catheterization occurred during 37% of the CIC years. Of the patients 19 experienced at least 1 episode of difficulty inserting the catheter and/or had macroscopic hematuria on a total of 42 occasions. Major urethral lesions were seen on cystoscopy in 7 patients on 9 occasions (5 false passages, 1 superficial recess, 2 meatal stenoses, 1 urethral stricture). Major urethral lesions were not associated with puberty and did not occur during self-catheterization or with use of catheters 12C or greater. Epididymitis was seen in only a 12 year-old boy. CONCLUSIONS: The overall rate of complications was low. The incidence of major urethral lesions did not increase during puberty. Self-catheterization and 12C catheter or greater seemed to be protective against major lesions.

Long-term intermittent catheterization: the experience of teenagers and young adults with myelomeningocele.

An interview study of the practical aspects of clean intermittent self-catheterization was performed in 26 randomly chosen teenagers and young adults with myelomeningocele who had been using the procedure for 7.5 to 12 years. Self-catheterization was well accepted as a part of daily life. Even if complete dryness was not attained the subjects appreciated the smaller pads and the decrease in leakage, which was a source of embarrassment. No one in the study group wanted to return to the previous voiding technique. Careful introduction, continuous support and consistent encouragement were important factors in obtaining these favorable results.

Effect of clean intermittent catheterisation on radiological appearance of the upper urinary tract in children with myelomeningocele.

Of the 102 consecutive children with myelomeningocele who were treated by intermittent catheterisation between 1977 and 1985, 89 were investigated with regard to the development of the upper urinary tract. The median follow-up period was 6.7 years. Dilatation and vesicoureteric reflux were assessed by means of repeated urography and voiding cystourethrography. Of the 49 children with normal radiology at the start of catheterisation, all but 2 remained normal. In 27 with isolated dilatation of the upper urinary tract or reflux at the start, 17 subsequently became normal. Dilatation together with reflux was seen in 13 patients at the start; 3 became normal, 4 still had reflux and in 6 patients both dilatation and reflux persisted. Intermittent catheterisation thus had a positive effect on the upper urinary tract in the vast majority of cases. In children with both dilatation and reflux, however, there is a risk of deterioration and they should be followed up closely.