Intermittent Self-catheterisation Articles

Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is the method of choice for men with lower urinary tract symptoms who need to drain retained urine from the bladder. It is preferred to using an indwelling urinary catheter as it has lower risks of complications and catheter-associated urinary tract infection.

Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is now considered the standard of care for most patients with neurological conditions and associated lower urinary tract disorders. Numerous societies, led by the International Continence Society, are in agreement on the effectiveness of ISC.

Our objective was to provide guidelines covering all aspects of intermittent catheterisation (intermittent self-catheterisation and third-party intermittent catheterisation).

A systematic review of the literature based on Pubmed, Embase, Google scholar was initiated in December 2014 and updated in April 2019.

With their expertise and ability to leverage the therapeutic relationship, community nurses are well-placed to manage the complications and challenges associated with intermittent self-catheterisation.

Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) has long been identified as the 'gold standard' for drainage of the bladder for individuals with bladder dysfunction. This article will outline identification of appropriate individuals, the types of intermittent self-catheters available, outline how it can improve quality of life for sufferers of bladder dysfunction, outline the complications that may occur and finally, suggest why it should be recommended as the 'gold standard' if it is taught and done correctly.

Recurrent urinary tract infections are a commonly reported problem in people who use clean intermittent self-catheterisation. Yet there is a lack of knowledge regarding both the impact on people's lives, the use of prophylactic anti-biotics and perceptions of patients on their use.

Male catheterisation can be difficult to perform, especially in patients with an enlarged prostate gland or other potentially obstructive conditions in the lower urinary tract. Repeated and unsuccessful catheterisations, as well as causing trauma, pain and distress, can cause other conditions such as urethral strictures and 'false passages' (when the catheter is pushed through the urethral wall instead of passing down the urethra), which then require more costly interventions to correct.