title: When are indwelling urinary catheters appropriate in elderly patients?
abstract: Indwelling catheters are commonly used in elderly patients with urinary retention, incontinence, pressure ulcers, and cancer, ostensibly for the patient's comfort but sometimes to ease the burden of health care workers. Indwelling catheterization is overused; catheters should be inserted only for specific, well-documented indications. The best way to avoid catheter-associated infections and other complications is to avoid long-term catheter use whenever possible. Given the risks involved, catheterization is indicated only as a last resort, after other options have failed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Geriatrics Section, University of Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: Emine Merel
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Inelmen
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sergi
authors.forename: Giuliano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Enzi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001437:Bacteriuria / Q000209:etiology; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D012648:Self Care; D013997:Time Factors; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology