[Antibacterial prophylaxis with fosfomycin at the time of the urethral catheter removal after radical prostatectomy (prospective randomized trial)].

AIM: To evaluate the effect of antibacterial prophylaxis using oral fosfomycin during the removal of a urethral catheter after radical prostatectomy on the development of urinary tract infection, severity of leukocyturia and bacteriuria, as well as the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center, non-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial was carried out. The main group included 40 patients, and the control group included 37 patients. In the group 1, patients received two doses of oral fosfomycin, 3 g, namely in the evening on the day of catheter removal (the first dose) and 48 hours after catheter removal (the second dose). In the group 2, patients did not receive any antibacterial prophylaxis after urethral catheter removal. The endpoints of the study were confirmed episodes of urinary tract infection within 1 month after removal of the urethral catheter, leukocyturia and bacteriuria in urinalysis/urine culture) and severity of the lower urinary tract symptoms assessed by IPSS questionnaire. RESULTS: In the group 2, urinary tract infection was noted in 17.1%, while in the group 2 only in 2.6% of patients (p=0.032). Leukocyturia and bacteriuria were significantly less common in the group receiving antibacterial prophylaxis with fosfomycin (18.4% vs. 48.6%, respectively; p=0.006). Positive urine culture was observed in 7.9% vs. 25.7%, respectively (p=0.035). Four weeks after removal of the urethral catheter, the average IPSS score was significantly higher in the group 2 (13.2 vs. 9.5 points; p=0.002). There were no cases of allergic reaction and pseudomembranous colitis associated with C. difficile in both groups. Diarrhea cured with sorbents was noted in 2 patients (5.2%) in fosfomycin group. CONCLUSION: Antibacterial prophylaxis using two oral doses of fosfomycin 3 g on the day of urethral catheter removal and 48 hours after catheter removal after radical prostatectomy appears to be an effective scheme that reduces the incidence of urinary tract infection and the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms, and is characterized by a minimal risk of adverse events. It is necessary to carried out further research and develop clear recommendations for antibacterial prevention in urological interventions requiring prolonged urethral catheterization.

Postpartum urinary retention: an expert review.

Postpartum urinary retention is a relatively common condition that can have a marked impact on women in the immediate days following childbirth. If left untreated, postpartum urinary retention can lead to repetitive overdistention injury that may damage the detrusor muscle and the parasympathetic nerve fibers within the bladder wall. In rare circumstances, postpartum urinary retention may even lead to bladder rupture, which is a potentially life-threatening yet entirely preventable complication. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are necessary to decrease long-term consequences. There are 3 types of postpartum urinary retention: overt, covert, and persistent. Overt retention is associated with an inability to void, whereas covert retention is associated with incomplete bladder emptying. Persistent urinary retention continues beyond the third postpartum day and can persist for several weeks in rare cases. Recognition of risk factors and prompt diagnosis are important for proper management and prevention of negative sequelae. However, lack of knowledge by providers and patients alike creates barriers to accessing and receiving evidence-based care, and may further delay diagnosis for patients, especially those who experience covert postpartum urinary retention. Nationally accepted definitions and management algorithms for postpartum urinary retention are lacking, and development of such guidelines is essential for both patient care and research design. We propose intrapartum recommendations and a standardized postpartum bladder management protocol that will improve patient outcomes and contribute to the growing body of evidence-based practice in this field.

Role of pelvic drain and timing of urethral catheter removal following RARP: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical value of routine pelvic drain (PD) placement and early removal of urethral catheter (UC) in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), as perioperative management such as the necessity of PD or optimal timing for UC removal remains highly variable. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched for articles published before March 2022 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Studies were deemed eligible if they investigated the differential rate of postoperative complications between patients with/without routine PD placement and with/without early UC removal, defined as UC removal at 2-4 days after RARP. RESULTS: Overall, eight studies comprising 5112 patients were eligible for the analysis of PD placement, and six studies comprising 2598 patients were eligible for the analysis of UC removal. There were no differences in the rate of any complications (pooled odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78-1.00), severe complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥III; pooled OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.54-1.69), all and/or symptomatic lymphocele (pooled OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.50-1.33; and pooled OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.26-1.29, respectively) between patients with or without routine PD placement. Furthermore, avoiding PD placement decreased the rate of postoperative ileus (pooled OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.91). Early removal of UC resulted in an increased likelihood of urinary retention (OR 6.21, 95% CI 3.54-10.9) in retrospective, but not in prospective studies. There were no differences in anastomosis leakage and early continence rates between patients with or those without early removal of UC. CONCLUSIONS: There is no benefit for routine PD placement after standard RARP in the published articles. Early removal of UC seems possible with the caveat of the increased risk of urinary retention, while the effect on medium-term continence is still unclear. These data may help guide the standardisation of postoperative procedures by avoiding unnecessary interventions, thereby reducing potential complications and associated costs.

A randomized controlled trial of 12 hours versus 24 hours urinary catheter removal following uncomplicated caesarean section in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) is one of the common nosocomial infection. Minimizing the length of stay of indwelling urinary catheter has been reported as a key strategy in reducing the rate of the infection. This study compared the incidence of significant bacteriuria in patients who had removal of their urinary catheter in 12 hours compared to those removed after 24 hours following uncomplicated caesarean section. A total of 140 women were randomized into two groups of either 12-hour catheter removal (group A) or 24-hour catheter removal (group B) post-caesarean section. The socio-demographic characteristics, pre-operative and post-operative urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity, time of first ambulation, length of hospital stay and the cost of treatment for all the participants were analyzed using SPSS version 21. P value was set at 0.05. results showed the overall incidence of catheter associated significant bacteriuria was 26.3% in this study while participants in group A (20.9%) had lower incidence of microscopic bacteriuria compared to those in group B (31.8%) though not statistically significant [OR= 1.8: 95%CI (0.8-3.9); p=0.1]. The mean time of first ambulation was statistically lower in group A compared to group B (16.2 ± 7.7 hours versus 24.8 ± 4.3 hours, p<0.001 respectively). The socio-demographic characteristics, incidence of urinary retention, mean length of hospital stay and cost of treatment did not differ significantly between the groups, p >0.05. The study demonstrated that catheter removal at 12 hours post uncomplicated caesarean section can enhance early ambulation and reduce the incidence of post-operative microscopic bacteria. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier PACTR201912777385309.

Permanent urethral catheter - a good servant, but bad master: Guidelines for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections, which increase morbidity, mortality, prolong the length of hospitalization and have a significant impact on the cost of treatment. The most efficient preventive method is removing catheters as soon as possible and avoid unnecessary catheterizations. Treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria is not recommended. In cases of serious CAUTI, vigorous antibiotic therapy covering multidrug-resistant uropathogens should be initiated. These recommendations are intended for all medical specialties to improve the care of patients with indwelling catheters in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CAUTI in primary care and subsequent long-term care.

I-DECIDED®-a decision tool for assessment and management of invasive devices in the hospital setting.

Indwelling medical devices, including vascular access and urinary catheters, pose a risk for infection, and therefore daily assessment and consideration of their continued need is a patient safety priority. The I-DECIDED® device assessment and decision tool is an evidence-based checklist, designed to improve the assessment, care and timely removal of invasive devices in acute hospitalized patients. This paper explains each step of the tool, with rationale for inclusion.

Superior early and long-term continence following early micturition on day 2 after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a randomized prospective trial.

PURPOSE: To elucidate early and long-term continence and patient comfort depending on type and duration of catheterization after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. METHODS: 198 patients were randomized prospectively into three groups (May 2016-July 2017): A transurethral catheter with micturition on postoperative day (POD) 5 was placed in the control group (TD5); a suprapubic tube (SPT) with micturition on POD 5 was placed in the group SD5 or with micturition on POD 2 in group SD2, respectively. Questionnaires were used for catheter-related satisfaction. Functional outcome analysis included residual volume analysis, uroflowmetry, IPSS, 12-h pad test, and daily pad use. Follow-up was conducted up to 12 months. RESULTS: Postoperative comfort and catheter-related complications were similar in the three groups. However, on the day of catheter removal, continence was significantly better in the 12-h pad test for the SD2 group with 14 ml vs. 30 ml (TD5) and 24 ml (SD5), p = 0.007. Median residual urine volume between the groups was comparable with 17 ml in TD5, 7 ml in SD5, and 11 ml in SD2, (p = 0.07). Postoperative IPSS did not differ significantly in the follow-up period. After 4 weeks, 63% of the patients in SD2 were continent (no pad/day) compared to 33% in TD5 and 41% in SD5, p = 0.004. After 12 months, 76% were continent in TD5, 87% in SD5, and 94% in SD2, p = 0.023. CONCLUSIONS: Early micturition after SPT placement in robotic radical prostatectomy seems to be beneficial without an increased risk of complications.

Innovations in indwelling urethral catheterisation.

The indwelling urethral catheter remains an integral part of contemporary medical care, despite its significant design shortcomings. Urethral catheterisation is responsible for well-recognised complications including catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), catheter-associated urethral injury (CAUI), catheter blockage, and bladder mucosal irritation. In this narrative review, we provide an update on current innovations in urethral catheter design, aimed at safeguarding against these complications. There is an obvious need to improve catheter technology and urologists should support the translation of innovations into clinical practice.

Suprapubic Versus Urethral Catheter for Urinary Drainage After Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the evidence regarding the usage of suprapubic tube (SPT) versus indwelling urethral catheter (IUC) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). RECENT FINDINGS: Available data on the use of SPT for urinary drainage after RARP is somewhat limited mostly because of the variations of study designs and non-standardized outcomes. Although it may provide some mild benefit in terms of catheter-related pain and discomfort, the benefit seems not to be clinically significant. The evidence in the literature so far does not support routine usage of SPT as the primary urinary drainage method after RARP. Further higher-quality studies that can show clinically significant advantages over IUC are still needed to justify its usage.

[Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of urethroplasty after failed hypospadias repair].

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of surgical treatment of hypospadias is one of the most controversial problem in urology, considering a lack of continuity in the management of these patients between pediatric andrologists and general urologists. Patients who undergone to multiple hypospadias repairs remain one of the most difficult categories for reconstructive urethral surgery and urology in general. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment results of 112 adult patients who had complications of previously performed hypospadias repairs were evaluated. The results of repeated procedures were compared in patients, in whom modified balloon urethral catheter (group 1; n=50) or standard Foley catheter (group 2; n=62) was used, respectively. RESULTS: Most patients after surgery assessed the appearance of the penis as "good" (92% in group 1, 77.4% in group 2). In group 1, satisfactory results was seen in 8% of cases and there were no unsatisfactory results, while in group 2, where standard Foley catheter was used, these values were 19.4% and 3.2%, respectively. In group 1, complication rate was lower than in group 2 (10% versus 41.9%; p<0.05). In group 1, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients with a Qmax score of more or equal 18 ml/s (90% versus 74.2%; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Repeated procedures in adult men with late complications of surgical treatment of hypospadias are quite effective, although they are accompanied by a rather high complications rate. The use of a new model of the urethral catheter with dilating cuff and an irrigation canal allows to improve treatment results in this category of patients.

Optimal Timing of Removal of Epidural and Urethral Catheters to Avoid Postoperative Urinary Retention Undergoing Abdominal Surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is one of the most frequent complications of epidural anesthesia. This study aims to clarify risk factors of POUR and to estimate the appropriate timing of urethral catheter removal. METHODS: Between September and December 2014, a retrospective cohort study was conducted on 120 patients who underwent epidural anesthesia and major abdominal surgery. To observe trends in incidence of POUR, we analyzed the order and interval of removal of epidural and urethral catheters using Cochran-Armitage trend test. RESULTS: In this study, 40 patients were diagnosed with POUR (33.3%). Median removal of epidural catheters was 4 postoperative days in the POUR group and 3.5 postoperative days in the non-POUR group (p = 0.04). When the urethral catheter was removed before epidural catheter, incidence of POUR was comparatively greater (p < 0.001). There were no statistical differences in surgical fields, operation approach, epidural catheter levels, or epidural opioid use. No patients had urinary tract infections. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that removal of urethral catheter before epidural catheter contributed to increasing trends in incidence of POUR. The optimal order and interval of removal of epidural and urethral catheters should be considered to avoid POUR after abdominal surgery.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 sustained-release collagen on urethral catheter prevents stricture after urethral injury in a rabbit model.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the preventive effect of an insulin-like growth factor 1 sustained-release collagen urethral catheter on urethral stricture after urethral injury in a rabbit model. METHODS: We made urethral catheters coated either with insulin-like growth factor 1 impregnated collagen or with only collagen, and we divided 19 male Japanese white rabbits into three groups according to the kind of catheter inserted immediately after the rabbit's urethra was injured by electrocoagulation. Group 1 (n = 7) had a catheter coated with insulin-like growth factor 1 impregnated collagen inserted; group 2 (n = 7) had a catheter coated with only collagen inserted; and group 3 (n = 5) had an uncoated catheter inserted. A total of 14 days later, the injured urethras were evaluated by urethrography and urethroscopy, and were also histologically examined. RESULTS: Urethrography showed that the ratio of the urethral lumen diameter in injured urethra to that in normal urethra was the largest in group 1 (P < 0.0001). In addition, five of the seven rabbits in group 1 (71.4%) had a urethral lumen large enough for passage of a urethroscope, a fraction larger than the corresponding fractions in groups 2 (57.1%) and 3 (20%). On histological analysis, the injured area not covered with regenerated urethral epithelium tended to be smaller in group 1 than the other two groups, but the mean difference was not significant (P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: An insulin-like growth factor 1 sustained-release collagen urethral catheter significantly improves wound healing and prevents urethral stricture after urethral injury.

Supra-pubic versus urethral catheter after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: systematic review of current evidence.

PURPOSE: To provide latest evidence on the use of suprapubic catheter (SPC) versus urethral catheter (UC) after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic revision of literature was performed up to September 2017 using different search engines (Pubmed, Ovid, Scopus) to identified studies comparing the use of SPC versus standard UC after RARP. Identification and selection of the studies were conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis criteria. For continuous outcomes, the weighted mean difference (WMD) was used as a summary measure, whereas the odds ratio (OR) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for binary variables. RR was preferred in cases of a high number of events to avoid overestimation. Pooled estimates were calculated using the random-effect model to account for clinical heterogeneity. All statistical analyses were performed using Review manager 5 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). RESULTS: Eight studies were identified and included in this systematic review, namely 3 RCTs, 4 non-randomized prospective studies, and one retrospective study. A total of 966 RARP cases were collected for the cumulative analysis. Among them, 492 patients received standard UC and 474 SPC placement after RARP. UC patients had higher baseline PSA (WMD 0.44 ng/ml; p = 0.02). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was found to be significantly lower in patients with SPC at postoperative day 7 (WMD 0.53; 95% CI 0.13-0.93; p = 0.009). Regarding penile pain, a significant difference in favor of the SPC group was found at postoperative day 7 assessment (WMD 1.2; 95% CI 0.82-1.6; p < 0.001). More patients in the SPC group reported "not at all" or "minimal pain" at this time point (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06, 0.44; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in terms of continence recovery rate at 6-12 weeks between the groups (UC 78.7%, 88.2%; RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.84, 1.01; p = 0.09). Similarly, no differences were found in terms of catheter-related issues (p = 0.17). However, UC patients had lower likelihood of overall complications (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.89, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence suggests that the use of SPC can be a viable option for postoperative urine drainage after RARP, as it can translate into decreased postoperative pain without carrying a significant higher risk of catheter-related complications. Further investigation seems to be warranted, ideally within the framework of a multicentre randomized study with standardized analysis of outcomes.

Routine Indwelling Urethral Catheterization in Acute Heart Failure Patients Is Associated With Increased Urinary Tract Complications Without Improved Heart Failure Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Indwelling urethral catheters (IUC) are routinely inserted for the purpose of monitoring urine output in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). The benefit of IUC in patients capable of complying with urine collection protocols is unclear, and IUC carry multiple risks. This study describes the impact of IUC on AHF treatment.Methods and Results:A total of 540 records were retrospectively analyzed. After exclusion criteria were applied, 316 patients were propensity matched to establish groups of 100 AHF patients who either did (IUC(+)) or did not receive an IUC (IUC(-)) upon admission. Hospital length of stay (9 vs. 7 days), in-hospital urinary complications (24 vs. 5%), and 1-year urinary tract infection rate (17 vs. 6%; HR, 3.145; 95% CI: 1.240-7.978) were significantly higher in the IUC(+) group (P<0.05 for all). There were no differences in 30-day rehospitalization (6 vs. 6%; HR, 0.981; 95% CI: 0.318-3.058; P=0.986) or major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events at 1 year (37 vs. 32%, HR, 1.070; 95% CI: 0.636-1.799; P=0.798). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this retrospective analysis, the routine use of IUC may increase length of stay and UTI complications in AHF patients without reducing the risk for major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events or 30-day rehospitalization rate.

[Evaluation bacteriological analysis of urine in patients with long-term bladder drainage].

INTRODUCTION: The experience of comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of various types of urethral catheters in prevention of catheter-associated infection is described in this article. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 69 patients treated at the CCH n.a. S.I. Spasokukotsky in the period from December 2017 to March 2018. The average age of patients was 67.5 years. In all patients, the bladder was drained by a two-way Foley catheter No. 16-18 Ch (100% silicone). In the 1st group (n=18), the bladder was drained with a standard urethral uncoated catheter, in the 2nd (n=16) - with a silver impregnated urethral catheter, in the 3rd (n=15) - with an urethral catheter coated with nitrofuran, in the 4th (n=20) urethral catheter with the possibility of controlled irrigation of the bladder and urethra with antiseptic solutions and (a new model of the urethral catheter developed during cooperative work of the Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry n.a. A.I. Evdokimov Urology Department and National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology n.a. V.I. Kulakov). RESULTS: The bladder was drained by Foley urethral catheter for more or equal 15 days. A microbiological study of urine (on the example of clinical isolates of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms) with preparation of an inoculum, inoculation of nutrient media, counting cultures of pathogenic bacteria and determining the sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics was carried out. The study showed the effectiveness of the new urethral catheter model in patients with long-term bladder drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting multicenter studies evaluating the effectiveness of the proposed urethral catheter model with the inclusion of a larger number of patients will reduce the economic costs, associated with treating patients with prolonged bladder drainage in the long term by reducing the number of nosocomial infection cases and reducing postoperative day.

Postoperative patient comfort in suprapubic drainage versus transurethral catheterization following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of the type of urinary diversion (suprapubic vs. transurethral catheterization) on patients' postoperative pain after radical prostatectomy, development of bacteriuria and long-term functional results. METHODS: A randomized, prospective clinical trial was performed including 160 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy after randomization into two groups: intraoperatively, a transurethral catheter (control group) or an additional suprapubic tube (with removal of the transurethral catheter in the morning of postoperative day 1; intervention group) was placed. Primary study endpoint was postoperative pain objectified by the numeric rating scale questionnaire. Secondary endpoints were bacteriuria after catheter removal and functional outcomes after up to 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic and perioperative data. Starting on postoperative day 2, patients in the suprapubic diversion group had significantly less pain on every time point preceding the removal of the catheter compared to the control cohort with a median overall numeric rating score on postoperative day 1-4 of 2.4 points in the transurethral versus 1.3 in the intervention group (p = 0.012). No statistical difference was found in postoperative bacteriuria and complications as well as in functional results, quality of life and incontinence rates after a median follow-up of 22 months. CONCLUSIONS: Suprapubic drainage in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy shows significantly decreased pain levels during the catheterization period compared to the transurethral diversion without compromising long-term functional results. Intraoperative placement of a suprapubic tube should be discussed as a standard procedure for further improvement of patients' postoperative comfort.

[Results of urethral reconstruction in adults after multiple hypospadias repairs].

AIM: To improve treatment results in patients after multiple hypospadias repairs by optimizing the postoperative management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients (mean age 48.1+/-15.3 years) with urethral strictures secondary to failed hypospadias repairs underwent staged graft urethroplasty using oral mucosa (cheek, lip, tongue) as a grafting material. In 62 patients, at the end of surgery the bladder was drained with a standard Foley catheter. In twenty patients the bladder was drained with a modified silicone urethral catheter, which had an additional channel for delivering drugs and removing the urethral wound effluent, and a second additional channel for inflating a balloon fixed to the catheter tube at different parts of the catheter. RESULTS: The mean length of the stricture was 5.4+/-1.2 cm (from 1 to 16 cm). Twenty-eight patients had postoperative complications. Using the modified catheter resulted in statistically significantly (p<0.05) smaller percentage of complications (10% vs 41.9%) compared to standard Foley catheter. Urinalysis and sperm test on the follow up examination at 12 months showed that only 9 (10.9%) patients had signs of the inflammatory process. Seventy-five patients (91.5%) rated the appearance of the penis as "good"; only 5 (6.1%) and 2 (2.4%) patients considered the result as "satisfactory" and "unsatisfactory", respectively. Eighty patient (97.6%) regarded the treatment result as "good" for the quality of urination and only two (2.4%) considered it "satisfactory". When assessing the strength of urinary stream, 64 (78.1%), 13 (15.8%) and 5 (6.1%) patients rated it as "good", "satisfactory", and "unsatisfactory", respectively. CONCLUSION: The study findings shows that staged urethroplasty using the oral mucosa restores the urethral patency, reduces the severity of the inflammatory process, thus improving the quality of life of patients after failed hypospadias repair. The proposed modification of the catheter ensures the timely delivery of drugs to the surgical site, evacuation the wound effluent from the urethra and helps prevent strictures by periodically inflating the adjustable balloon-dilator.

[The role of the uretral catheter in the development of catheter- related urinary tract infection].

The most common source of nosocomial infection is the urinary tract, especially if they it is drained with a urethral catheter. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections account for at least 80% of all complicated urinary tract infections and are the most common type of hospital-acquired infection. Intestinal microflora plays the leading role in the pathogenesis of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, whereas the most important risk factor for their development is the long duration of urinary catheter drainage. In the case of short-term and intermittent catheterization, routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not required, but if a patient develops clinically significant infection, antibiotic therapy is required followed by definitive therapy based on culture. Urethral catheters coated with antimicrobial substances and anti-inflammatory agents can significantly reduce the adhesion and migration of bacteria, thereby reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections. Despite this, the incidence of catheter-associated infection remains high. We have reviewed recent literature related to catheter-associated urinary tract infections and the best means of preventing this condition.

Intermittent urethral catheterisation: the reality of the lubricants and catheters in the clinical practice of a Brazilian service.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify how catheters and lubricants have been used among patients using intermittent urinary catheterisation in rehabilitation. BACKGROUND: The clean intermittent urinary catheterisation technique is an invasive procedure can cause discomfort, pain and urethral traumas. The use of lubricants and lubricated urinary catheters reduces the friction between the catheter and the urethral mucosa, minimising the risks. DESIGN: A descriptive exploratory design was used. METHODS: Quantitative and descriptive study developed at a rehabilitation centre of a University Hospital in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, at the Intermittent Urinary Catheterisation Outpatient Clinic, between June 2012-December 2014. After ethical approval, the data were collected through an interview with the support of a semistructured questionnaire, held during the nursing consultation. Among the users, patients using intermittent urinary catheterisation were interviewed, over 18 years of age and minors younger than eight years accompanied. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied. RESULTS: Most of 214 (100·0%) patients were interviewed were male, single, young adults and with a primary medical diagnosis of bone marrow injury and myelomeningocele. Most patients perform the urinary catheterisation between four and six times per day. For the procedure, the majority uses polyethylene (polyvinyl chloride) catheter and, as a lubricant, 2·0% lidocaine hydrochloride on the catheter itself. Many mention lack of sensitivity when passing the catheter. CONCLUSION: In the study sample, a risk of urethral traumas was evidenced, related to the inappropriate use of catheters and lubricants. For the patients' safety, the professionals need to acknowledge the importance of the appropriate use of lubricants and lubricated catheters to implement evidence-based practices that mobilise public policies. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The use of evidences demonstrates that the appropriate use of lubricants for intermittent urinary catheterisation is fundamental for patient safety and the performance of the best practices.