Mini-catheter used for bladder drainage following stress-incontinence surgery and the factors relating to drainage failure.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the most effective length for the mini-catheter and to discuss factors relating to drainage failure.


METHODS
Prospective study of a No. 8 silastic feeding tube for bladder drainage omits the necessity of additional catheterization for measuring residual urine. This two-part study in which 146 patients took part, first, determined the suitable length for insertions for the perforated portion and the imperforated portion; then, gauged the effectiveness of the mini-catheter with desired proportions.


RESULTS
Drainage is better when the imperforated portion is at least 5 cm in length (p = 0.0129). The length of the perforated portion, on the other hand, has less impact of the resultant drainage provided that its length does not exceed 5 cm. Beyond this length, an obstruction often occurs. There were 2 obstructions (1.3%) induced by blood clot as well as 9 patients (5.8%) who suffered from one, or more, complications attributed to the mini-catheter for reasons other than the length of insertion.


CONCLUSIONS
When care is taken in creating a mini-catheter of the proper proportions, it offers many advantages and very few complications to gynecologists and patients alike.
Su
T H
TH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical College, Taiwan.
Yang
J M
JM
Chen
C P
CP
Wei
H J
HJ
Hwu
Y M
YM
Yang
Y C
YC
D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology