The use of bladder wash-outs to reduce urinary catheter encrustation.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of bladder washouts in reducing catheter encrustation.


METHODS
A model of the catheterized bladder was developed and used to produce catheter encrustation in vitro. The effects of bladder wash-outs with Suby G, mandelic acid 1% or saline 0.9% were compared with control catheters that did not receive wash-outs, by measuring the area of patent catheter lumen and the changes in urinary calcium and magnesium concentrations after wash-outs.


RESULTS
Encrustation was reduced significantly, compared with the controls, in catheters washed out with the acidic reagents, Suby G and mandelic acid. Saline wash-outs did not reduce encrustation.


CONCLUSIONS
The model of the catheterized bladder provided a reliable technique with which to examine the effects of bladder wash-out on catheter encrustation under controlled conditions. The results indicate that bladder wash-outs with Suby G or mandelic acid may be beneficial for patients who suffer from recurrent catheter encrustation and blockage.
Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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Getliffe
D002118:Calcium / Q000652:urine; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008274:Magnesium / Q000652:urine; D017616:Magnesium Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D008961:Models, Structural; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis*; D000069877:Struvite; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000737:chemistry*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*
D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D017616:Magnesium Compounds; D010710:Phosphates; C485828:alpha-tricalcium phosphate; C485830:tetracalcium phosphate; C485838:calcium phosphate, monobasic, anhydrous; C020243:calcium phosphate; D000069877:Struvite; D008274:Magnesium; C485829:calcium phosphate, dibasic, anhydrous; D002118:Calcium