Prospective randomised trial of two devices for suprapubic catheterisation in general surgical patients.
Compared with urethral catheterisation, suprapubic catheterisation is associated with a reduced incidence of urinary infection and urethral stricture and it facilitates a controlled trial of micturition. A prospective comparison of two types of suprapubic catheter was performed in 70 patients, using a specially designed catheter mounted on a trocar for insertion (Suprapubic Ingram Trocar), and a disposable trocar and cannula (Add-a-Cath) and standard Foley catheter. A suprapubic catheter was inserted successfully in 63 patients. Overall there was a low incidence of urinary tract infection (4.3%) and the only significant catheter-related problem was suprapubic leakage of urine, which was self-limiting in all but one patient. Although there is little objective difference between the systems tested, we prefer the Add-a-Cath system for its simplicity and economy. This trial provides further support for the more frequent use of suprapubic catheters in general surgical practice.
University Surgical Unit, Royal South Hants Hospital, Southampton.
N J
NJ
Carty
J
J
Yap
C D
CD
Johnson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control