Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-020-00339-5 · Published: September 15, 2020
Intermittent catheterization (IMC) is the accepted evidence-based best practice for bladder management in people with voiding dysfunction due to neurogenic bladder. The two methods for performing IMC over the decades since this practice was introduced are reuse and single-use catheters. There are perceived advantages and disadvantages of each method of performing IMC. There is considerable evidence that single-use IMC is associated with better health outcomes, including reduced risk of urinary tract infection, urethral trauma, and quality of life.
People performing IMC indicate a preference for single-use catheters due to improved quality of life and reduced contamination.
Single-use hydrophilic catheters are recommended as the preferred method of bladder management due to reduced risk of urethral trauma and urinary tract infection.
In countries where the health or disability systems cover the cost of single-use catheters or people can afford the cost, single-use catheters should be the preferred routine method of choice.