Comparison of the use of conventional, hydrophilic and gel-lubricated catheters with regard to urethral micro trauma, urinary system infection, and patient satisfaction in patients with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled study

WOS: 000286687600001PubMed ID: 20445490Background. Management of the lower urinary tract is crucially important in patients with spinal cord injuries in order to prevent damage to the upper urinary tract and to preserve renal function. Aim. This study was designed to compare the use of standard polyvinyl chloride (PVC), hydrophilic-coated, and gel-lubricated non-hydrophilic catheters with regard to urethral micro trauma, urinary system infection, and patient satisfaction in patients with spinal cord injuries. Study design. Randomized, controlled study. Setting. University hospital, inpatient clinic. Population. Twenty-five male patients with spinal cord injuries. Methods. The patients were asked to use 3 different types of catheters. The selection of catheter order was determined randomly, and all 3 catheters were used for 6 weeks consecutively. All patients were assessed at the beginning of treatment and at weeks 6, 12, and 18, in terms of urethral cytology, urinalysis, urine culture, and patient satisfaction (Visual Analog Scale, VAS). Results. Ten patients completed the study. Regarding the urethral trauma evaluation, urethral cell counts were reduced with gel-lubricated non-hydrophilic catheter use (P0.05). The number of leucocytes in the urine sediment was significantly reduced after gel-lubricated catheter use (P0.05). The mean VAS was better with the gel-lubricated non-hydrophilic catheter than with the other two catheter types (P