Description
Urinary catheters and the process of catheterization have developed over several hundred years. Both diagnostic and therapeutic catheterisation may be associated with adverse effects, which can be life threatening. Good Practice in Continence Services (DH 2000) indicates that the use of urinary catheters should be avoided if possible, and in managing incontinence be used only where other methods have failed or are inappropriate. Yet up to 30% of older patients with incontinence are managed by catheterization in secondary care. Clinical staff need to understand the importance of the proper assessment and management of urinary incontinence as well as the appropriate use of urinary catheters. This article reviews the historical aspects, indications, types of catheter and drainage systems and associated problems with their use.
