Complications of urinary tract infections associated with devices used for long-term bladder management.
The long-term indwelling urethral catheter continues to be a major cause of morbidity in patients in hospitals, nursing homes and home care. Many authorities have recommended that wherever possible, alternative techniques should be considered for the management of patients with urinary retention or incontinence. This article considers the complications that develop from the urinary tract infections associated with long-term indwelling catheterization and reviews the evidence that the other options for bladder management pose less serious threats to health.
School of Pure and Applied Biology, University of Wales College of Cardiff.
D J
DJ
Stickler
J
J
Zimakoff
D016470:Bacteremia / Q000209:etiology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000209:etiology; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000628:therapy; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000628:therapy; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*