With over a million devices used in the NHS every year, indwelling urinary catheterisation is widely acknowledged as one of the most commonly used invasive healthcare procedures. Despite its widespread use, there is also extensive evidence of the risk of infection, blockage and bypassing associated with indwelling catheters, all of which can adversely affect patients’ health and quality of life, as well as placing a significant burden on the supportive health services that manage the caseloads of catheterised patients in both community and acute settings. This article looks at the reasons for the use of long-term catheters, the complications that can arise and the positive impact the use of a triclosan-based solution can have when instilled into the inflation balloon of the catheter. A selection of case studies highlight the use of Farco-fill® Protect (CliniMed) in complex patients whose only management option for effective bladder drainage is to use an indwelling catheter.
Vivien Ogden describes a literature review and a pilot study of anaesthetic gel insertion in male recatheterisation.
Vivien Ogden RGN, Dip DN Community Nursing Studies is a District Nursing Sister, Grovelands Medical Centre, Reading, Berks.
Article accepted for publication: July 2002
Ian Pomfret, Lauren Tew & Sharon Eustice discuss the use of silver alloy catheters in the management of catheter encrustation and blockage and reducing catheter acquired urinary tract infections
Ian Pomfret RN, NDN Cert, PWT is District Continence Adviser, Central Lancashire Primrary Care Trust.
Lauren Tew RN, BSc (Hons), PG Dip HE, RNT is Infection Prevention & Control Nurse at NHS Bath & North East Somerset.
Sharon Eustice is Nurse Consultant for Continence, NHS Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.
Article accepted for publication: March 2009
