%0 Journal Article
%T Sustainability in Urology: Single-use Versus Reusable Catheters for Intermittent Catheterization.
%A Elliott CS
%J Eur Urol Focus
%V 9
%N 6
%D 2023 11
%M 37802716
%F 5.952
%R 10.1016/j.euf.2023.09.012
%X There is evidence that there is no difference in the incidence of urinary tract infections between multiple-use catheters that are cleaned after use and single-use catheters for intermittent catheterization. Despite the very significant economic and environmental advantages of multiple-use catheters, the single-use option is still promoted. The increasing focus on sustainability in urology may prompt a shift in practice to multiple-use catheters or other novel solutions in this setting. PATIENT SUMMARY: In intermittent catheterization, a patient or their caregiver periodically inserts a catheter to drain the bladder of urine. Single-use catheters are more expensive and have a greater impact on the environment than resuable catheters that are cleaned after use. To improve sustainability in health care, a switch from single-use to multiple-use catheters or other novel soultions for intermittent catheterization should be considered.