title: Managing recurrent urinary catheter encrustation.
abstract: Recurrent blockage of the urinary catheter is a common problem in around 40-50% of long-term catheterized patients, leading to problems which are distressing to patients and costly to health services in both time and resources. Blockage is frequently caused by the build-up of mineral deposits on the catheter surface following precipitation from the urine under alkaline conditions. The presence of urea-splitting bacteria in the urine promotes a strongly alkaline urine and their adhesion to the catheter as a biofilm makes them extremely difficult to remove. This article addresses strategies for early identification of potential 'blockers'; proactive approaches to care; and the evidence for use of catheter maintenance solutions.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nightingale Building, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Getliffe
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D002254:Carbonates; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015984:Causality; D002951:Citrates; D003681:Dehydration / Q000150:complications; D004202:Disinfectants; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D008277:Magnesium Oxide; D008283:Maintenance; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012008:Recurrence; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing*
chemical_list: D002254:Carbonates; D002951:Citrates; D004202:Disinfectants; D004338:Drug Combinations; C050615:Suby's G solution; D008277:Magnesium Oxide; D002119:Calcium Carbonate