The Management of Indwelling Catheters

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Abstract
Summary— Eighteen geriatric patients with indwelling catheters were observed for a total of 393 weekly urine specimens. The effects of a 1 week course of antibiotics/chemotherapeutic agent followed by urinary antiseptics for 6 weeks, and also of regular bladder washouts, were noted. All urine specimens were infected except 24% during antibiotic treatment and 9% during antiseptics and 6% after washouts. Only washouts reduced the extent of catheter blockage. There was little difference in the time in situbetween silastic and latex Foley catheters—only 31% of silastic remaining for longer than 4 weeks. Bard-Roberts catheters were the least satisfactory. Catheter leakage was not affected by urinary pH. Further developments in long-term catheter management are needed.