Questions about the Intermittent Selfcatheterisation

What is intermittent catheterisation?

Intermittent means again and again. Intermittent catheterisation is repeated drainage of the bladder through a thin disposable catheter. It is generally required four to five times a day depending on the liquid intake

How do I do intermittent catheterisation?

Using a disposable catheter for the bladder must be an aseptic process. Aseptic is always better than simply hygienic, particularly in the case of a pre-existing bladder condition. Aseptic means using sterile materials, disinfecting the entrance to the urethra, using a sterile lubricant and sterile insertion of the catheter. A distinction is made between (intermittent) catheterisation assisted by others, such as parents, relatives or nursing services, and self-administered catheterisation, which the patient does independently. A series of kits, which are very small and contain all required components (catheter, urine bag, swabs etc.), are available for purchase. Intermittent catheterisation is possible virtually anywhere with these kits.

What does the ideal catheter look like?

The openings at the tip of the catheter (catheter eyes) should be rounded and smooth. Depending on age, the catheter diameter is between 10 and 14 Charrière (1 Charrière = 0.3 mm, urological unit). A catheter must be used only once.

Why is intermittent catheterisation recommended?

 Intermittent catheterisation is a simple method of draining the bladder gently and without damaging pressure. This provides the best possible protection for the kidneys. This type of drainage can be stopped at any time. An operation – apart from the risks involved in every operation – generally involves irreversible changes, while intermittent catheterisation does not require any irreversible changes. For children intermittent catheterisation often involves a welcome gain in time until they can make decisions over their own bodies as young adults. Adults can use intermittent catheterisation to empty the bladder until the paralysis is stable (no longer changes) and no further retrogression of the paralysis can be observed. Only then is it necessary to consider an operation.

How frequently and when is it required?

This depends on the daily liquid intake, or more precisely the daily quantity of urine excreted. The bladder must normally be emptied 4-5 times a day by intermittent catheterisation. At the beginning intermittent catheterisation can be done at specific times. The feeling of a full bladder must not be suppressed for too long. Every individual must find the right time to empty the bladder by experience. However, the urine quantity must not be greater than 500 ml at one time.

What are the advantages of intermittent catheterisation?

From experience with a large number of patients we know that, apart from the normal method of drainage, intermittent catheterisation is the best method of draining the bladder. It does not damage the kidneys or cause increased urethral infections; intermittent catheterisation is frequently recommended in the presence of existing kidney damage or repeated bladder infections. When correctly used there is no risk of injury to the urethra. When intermittent catheterisation is conducted under aseptic conditions and with a disinfectant lubricant, it does not greatly increase the risk of bladder infections.