Intermittent catheterization: which is the optimal technique?
METHODS
Literature review to evaluate the practical techniques used for intermittent catheterization (IC) and intermittent self-catheterization (ISC).


OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the requirements for proper IC and ISC. To evaluate if a best technique exists.


METHODS
Relevant articles on the subject are reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a wide variety of materials and techniques applied for IC and ISC. This does not seem to change the practical outcome much if the basic principles are used: good education and training, clean and atraumatic technique, good patient compliance in the long-term. There is neither one best technique nor one best material for IC. Both depend greatly on the patient's individual anatomic, social and economic state.
Wyndaele
J J
JJ
Department of Urology, University of Antwerpen, Belgium.
D006801:Humans; D012648:Self Care; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control