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.
Department of Urology, University of Antwerpen, Belgium.
J J
JJ
Wyndaele
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