What is the best choice for chronic urinary retention: indwelling catheter or clean intermittent catheterization?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of clean intermittent catheterization, comparing to indwelling urinary catheter, in the treatment of chronic urinary retention. Methods: This literature review was carried out in order to highlight the best evidences for the choice between treatments. The extensive literature review was made through PubMed and Cochrane National Library. We selected the main articles published between 1950 and 2007, using urinary retention, indwelling urinary catheter, and clean intermittent catheterization as keywords. Results: Twenty five papers were selected, including three meta-analyses evaluating the long-term complications of clean intermittent catheterization, prophylactic intervention, and catheter types. Most articles discussed complications in patients with neurologic dysfunctions. Conclusion: Clean intermittent catheterization is better than indwelling catheter, as it is related to lower complication rates, both short and long-term. Indwelling catheterization was associated with decreased vesical compliance and bladder calculi, among others.

Keywords

• Urinary retention
• Catheters
• indwelling
• Urinary catheterization