BACKGROUND: Bladder dysfunction, notably urinary retention, emerges as a significant complication for cervical cancer patients following radical hysterectomy, predominantly due to nerve damage, severely impacting their postoperative quality of life. The challenges to recovery include insufficient pelvic floor muscle training and the negative effects of prolonged postoperative indwelling urinary catheters. Intermittent catheterization represents the gold standard for neurogenic bladder management, facilitating bladder training, which is an important behavioral therapy aiming to enhance bladder function through the training of the external urethral sphincter and promoting the recovery of the micturition reflex. Nevertheless, gaps remain in current research regarding optimal timing for intermittent catheterization and the evaluation of subjective symptoms of bladder dysfunction.
METHODS: Cervical cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy will be recruited to this randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to either early postoperative catheter removal combined with intermittent catheterization group or a control group receiving standard care with indwelling urinary catheters. All these patients will be followed for 3 months after surgery. The study\'s primary endpoint is the comparison of bladder function recovery rates (defined as achieving a Bladder Function Recovery Grade of II or higher) 2 weeks post-surgery. Secondary endpoints include the incidence of urinary tract infections, and changes in urodynamic parameters, and Mesure Du Handicap Urinaire scores within 1 month postoperatively. All analysis will adhere to the intention-to-treat principle.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this trial are expected to refine clinical management strategies for enhancing postoperative recovery among cervical cancer patients undergoing radical hysterectomy. By providing robust evidence, this study aims to support patients and their families in informed decision-making regarding postoperative bladder management, potentially reducing the incidence of urinary complications and improving overall quality of life post-surgery.
BACKGROUND: ChiCTR2200064041, registered on 24th September, 2022.

UNASSIGNED: Bladder dysfunction is a common complication following radical hysterectomy, affecting patients\' QOL. Exploring interventions, particularly IC continuity care, is crucial for identifying strategies to enhance postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to assess the impact of continuous intermittent catheterization (IC) care on bladder function recovery and quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.
UNASSIGNED: The primary outcome measured was the time to bladder function recovery, with secondary outcomes comprising EORTC QLQ-C30 assessments at 3 and 6 months post-surgery, as well as EORTC QLQ-CX24 evaluations. Meanwhile, urinary complications, readmissions, and outpatient follow-up were also compared.
UNASSIGNED: Among the 128 participants, with 64 in each group, indwelling catheterization durations were similar. However, the IC continuity care group exhibited significantly shorter IC duration and bladder recovery time. This group demonstrated superior QOL, lower occurrence rates post-IC, reduced urethral injuries, and higher readmission and outpatient follow-up rates.
UNASSIGNED: This study underscores continuous IC care emerges as a beneficial intervention, facilitating accelerated bladder function recovery and improved QOL in patients following radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic bladder dysfunction is a major problem for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients not only due to the risk of serious complications but also because of the impact on quality of life. The main aim of this study is to compare the rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) associated with hydrophilic-coated catheters versus uncoated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) catheters among SCI patients presenting with functional neurogenic bladder sphincter disorders.
METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study from 2005 to 2020 including adult male or female patients who have an SCI at least more than 1 month ago with neurogenic bladder dysfunction and were using intermittent catheterization (single-use hydrophilic-coated or the standard-of-care polyvinyl chloride uncoated standard catheters) at least 3 times a day to maintain bladder emptying.
RESULTS: A total of 1000 patients were selected and recruited through a stratified random sampling technique with 467 (47.60%) patients in the uncoated catheter arm and 524 (52.60%) in the coated catheter groups. The three outcome measures, namely: symptomatic UTI, Bacteriuria, and pyuria were significantly higher in the group using uncoated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) catheters compared to hydrophilic-coated catheters at the rate of 79.60% vs.46.60%, 81.10% vs. 64.69, and 53.57% versus 41.79% respectively. Males, elder patients, longer duration, and severity of SCI were associated with increased risk of symptomatic UTI.
CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a beneficial effect regarding clinical UTI when using hydrophilic-coated catheters in terms of fewer cases of symptomatic UTI. Bacteriuria is inevitable in patients with long-term catheterization, however, treatment should not be started unless the clinical symptoms exist. More attention should be given to the high-risk group for symptomatic UTIs.

BACKGROUND: Self-catheterisation (CIsC) is the gold standard treatment for bladder emptying disorders. A frequent complaint of patients undergoing CIsC is urinary tract infection (UTI). However, the epidemiology of UTIs remains poorly documented, particularly in the urological population. The aim of our study was to establish the epidemiology of infectious complications of CIsC.
METHODS: A prospective, descriptive cohort study was carried out on a population educated in CIsC in a urology outpatient department of a university hospital.
RESULTS: From January 1, 2019 to November 15, 2020, 411 patients completed a CIsC education session. Sixty patients could be included and integrated for analysis. The mean age was 58.6±16.3years. Among the patients, 68% had a neurological pathology. The most common bacteria found was Escherichia coli. The incidence of total UTIs within the first 6weeks was 18%. After a mean follow-up of 15±6.5months, the median number of UTIs was 0 [0; 4]. The mean interval between two infectious episodes was 9±6.7months. Only one patient met the criteria for recurrent UTI. Febrile UTIs affected 7% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Self-catheterisation has a low infectious morbidity, occurring mainly in the first few weeks after its introduction.
METHODS:

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the improved performance of the micro-hole zone catheter (MHZC) compared to a conventional eyelet catheter (CEC) in male users of clean intermittent catheterizations (CICs).
METHODS: Male self-catheterizing subjects, who used hydrophilic sleeved soft/flexible CIC as the only bladder emptying method, were enrolled into a multi-center, randomized, cross-over study performed across six European sites. Subjects tested the MHZC, featuring a drainage zone with 120 micro-holes and a CEC with two eyelets. The study consisted of four study visits (V0-V3), during which endpoints related to catheter performance (urinary flow-stops, bladder emptying, and intra-catheter pressure) were measured and two 4-week test periods at home (T1 and T2) where dipstick hematuria and user perception between catheters were evaluated.
RESULTS: Seventy-three male subjects with non-neurogenic and neurogenic bladder dysfunction (3:2) were enrolled. On average, catheterizations with the MHZC led to close to mean zero flow-stops compared to ≥1 flow-stops with the CEC, during both HCP- and self-led catheterizations (both p < 0.001). Residual urine at first flow-stop was significantly reduced for the MHZC compared to CEC (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, for HCP- and self-led catheterizations, respectively). This was substantiated by a significantly smaller pressure peak at first flow-stop, a proxy for minimized mucosal suction (both HCP- and self-led catheterizations, p < 0.001). After home-use catheterizations, dipstick hematuria was comparable between catheters, whereas catheterizations were associated with significantly improved perception in favor of MHZC regarding bladder emptying, less blocking sensation, and improved hygienic catheterization compared to the CEC.
CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the evidence of improved bladder emptying with the MHZC compared to a CEC without the need to reposition the catheter. The MHZC therefore offers an enhanced benefit for the dependent CIC user securing complete bladder emptying in an uninterrupted free flow and reducing the need to reposition the catheter during emptying.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine health-related quality of life and self-reported complications associated with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC).
METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study.
METHODS: The target population was patients cared for by the urology department at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain, undergoing CIC for chronic urinary retention of any etiology (neurogenic bladder dysfunction, neobladder, and other). The sample comprised 50 respondents with a mean age of 49 years; a majority (66%, n = 33) were female. Participants performed an average of 4 CICs.
METHODS: All participants completed the ISC-Q (Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire) and a questionnaire about CIC-associated complications. Data were collected in February 2019.
RESULTS: A vast majority of respondents (98%, n = 49) indicated preparation for catheterization was simple, and 76% (n = 38) indicated the catheter was easy to insert. One in 5 (20%, n = 10) considered carrying catheters and supplies inconvenient, though 58% (n = 29) indicated it was easy to dispose of the catheters outside the home. Most respondents (98%, n = 49) indicated they felt self-conscious about their need to self-catheterize, and 16% (n = 8) felt that CIC created limitations when visiting friends and family. The most frequent complication was symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs); participants reported an average of 1.7 UTIs in the last year. Additional complications, such as epididymo-orchitis, urethral stenosis, and urethral bleeding, were reported by less than 5% (n = 2) of participants.
CONCLUSIONS: Participants managed by CIC for chronic urinary retention of any cause reported acceptable levels of satisfaction with the procedure. The reported incidence of complications was low, except for UTIs.

Despite the risk of developing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), catheter reuse is common among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study examined the microbiological burden and catheter surface changes associated with short-term reuse. Ten individuals with chronic SCI reused their catheters over 3 days. Urine and catheter swab cultures were collected daily for analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses were used to assess catheter surface changes. Catheter swab cultures showed no growth after 48 h (47.8%), skin flora (28.9%), mixed flora (17.8%), or bacterial growth (5.5%). Asymptomatic bacteriuria was found for most participants at baseline (n = 9) and all at follow-up (n = 10). Urine samples contained Escherichia coli (58%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (30%), Enterococcus faecalis (26%), Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (10%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6%) or Proteus vulgaris (2%). Most urine cultures showed resistance to one or more antibiotics (62%). SEM images demonstrated structural damage, biofilm and/or bacteria on all reused catheter surfaces. XPS analyses also confirmed the deposition of bacterial biofilm on reused catheters. Catheter surface changes and the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria were evident following short-term reuse, which may increase susceptibility to CAUTI in individuals with SCI despite asymptomatic bacteriuria.

OBJECTIVE: Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida. Management of urologic consequences of spina bifida is life long, demanding and costly for both the patient and the public health system. There is a paucity of data in the literature regarding concentration defects and their consequences on this disease. This paper aims to describe retrospectively the effect of early onset clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in on the severity of urinary concentration defects in myelomeningocele patients with neurogenic bladder in a retrospective observational study.
METHODS: In this 10-year retrospective cohort study, children with myelomeningocele were selected with the Convenience sampling method. Demographic characteristics, polyuria index ratio (PIR) defined as 24 hour urine output of each patient divided by the maximum normal urine output of the same patient in a healthy state, and nocturnal polyuria index (NPI) were compared between early starters (< 2 years old) or late starters (≥ 2 years old) groups.
RESULTS: Seven patients who underwent cystoplasty were excluded and 130 patients (63.8% male, 5.4 ± 3.2 years old, 14.3 ± 2.83 Kg, 28.5% early onset CIC) were investigated. PIR > 1 in inset (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.2 ± 0.5, P = 0.021) and outset (1.5 ± 0.32 vs. 2.5 ± 0.7, P = 0.004) were lower in early starters group than in late starters group. NPI in inset (0.2 ± 0.007 vs. 0.32 ± 0.10, P = 0.018) and outset (0.25 ± 0.15 vs. 0.42 ± 0.095, P = 0.007) were also lower in the early starters group. No further adverse events were reported during the follow-up period.
CONCLUSIONS: Early onset CIC is more effective than late-onset CIC in preserving the urinary ability of kidneys in myelomeningocele patients.

Since its inception >50 years ago, clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) has become ubiquitous in managing lower urinary tract dysfunction in children. Emphasis has been on its impact on daily life, but little on its implementation and adjustment in families. The aim of the current study was to discover how families learned to implement and manage their child\'s CIC needs by interviewing caregivers, adolescents, and young adults about their experiences. Interviews were designed to uncover facilitators and barriers to beginning CIC to initiate potential improvements in a multidisciplinary approach.
A semi-structured interview guide was developed and piloted initially to 12 families for validation. Between August 2018 and October 2019, 40 families (52 interviews of caregivers and patients >12 years) were then interviewed with open-ended questions interspersed with more specific ones to generate discussion. Transcripts were coded using Dedoose software to create a base list with emergent codes. Inductive and deductive methods were employed to generate themes. Consensus was reached during successive team meetings.
Five major and several subthemes emerged regarding implementation of CIC by caregivers and patients learning CIC for the first time. THEME 1: Parental reaction to CIC: Caregivers described benefits of an adjustment period on learning their child\'s need for CIC. Prenatal information to caregivers of spina bifida children gave them time to mentally process the need for CIC. THEME 2: Ease of learning CIC: impact of age and gender: caregivers identified advantages of initiating CIC in infancy. Caregivers speculated CIC was physically easier in boys than girls due to meatus location. Developmentally ready children expressed a desire for independence and privacy as they learned to initiate CIC. THEME 3: The impact of additional caregiver support in learning and performing CIC: presence of multiple caregivers optimized learning and implementation of CIC. Having secondary caregivers available provided peace of mind and more flexibility in maintaining reliable CIC care. Patients learning CIC found it helpful to have a parent present at the teaching session. Occasionally, female caregivers reported feelings of anger and frustration when male caregivers were reluctant to be involved in catheterization, irrespective of their child\'s gender. THEME 4: Satisfaction with healthcare team\'s approach: The healthcare team\'s responsiveness to their learning needs affected how they mastered CIC. The healthcare team\'s teaching and reassurance helped build caregiver confidence. Developmentally appropriate children were able to learn self-catheterization when supported by the healthcare team. Patients learning self-CIC articulated having a supportive healthcare team was helpful with implementation. THEME 5: Effect of CIC on employment status relative to job changes, insurance, and daycare: implementing and performing CIC presented a spectrum of issues related to employment. Educating employers regarding CIC facilitated a caregiver\'s ability to both remain at work and administer to their child. Caregivers underscored the importance of adequate insurance when considering employment choices. Concerns about daycare availability affected caregivers\' work schedules.
It is anticipated this information will aid healthcare personnel to more effectively teach and initiate CIC in families, and in individuals learning for the first time. The findings should serve as the basis for conducting future patient satisfaction studies, which would determine the effectiveness and reproducibility of these approaches.

Urinary diversions after radical cystectomy (RC) have a significant impact on quality of life and body image. Particularly for orthotopic neobladder (ONB), the rate of continence, urinary retention and urinary tract infections can impact on patient\'s quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether early clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) might improve functional outcomes, continence status, and reduce the incidence of UTIs in patients with ONB.
In this prospective randomized study patients were divided in two groups. Patients were on a standard postoperative care (group A) or started CIC within the first postoperative month (group B). All patients were evaluated postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months after ONB. The CIC was executed 4 times/daily after each voluntary micturition. The postoperative evaluation included: post-void residual volume (PVR), urine analysis and culture, number of pads/day and the self-administrated questionnaire International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF).
Thirty-nine male and 8 female patients underwent laparoscopic or robotic RC with intracorporeal ONB (37 U shaped and 10 Padua reconstructions). At the first follow up, mean PVR was in group A and B, 136.5 mL and 125.7 mL (P value: 0.105), respectively. The ICIQ-UI SF mean score was 16.2 and 17.1 (P value: 0.243) respectively and the mean no. of pads/day was 3 in both groups. 15 patients in group A and 10 in group B reported episodes of symptomatic UTIs. At 3, 6 and 9 months follow up after surgery the PVR and the ICIQ-UI SF scores were significantly improved (P value <0.0001). The number of pads decreased to 2 pads/day in group A and 1 in group B at 9 months. The episodes of UTIs significantly decreased over the time (P value <0.0001).
Our data support the early introduction of self CIC in patients with ONB after RC. The CIC was significantly associated a reduced risk of incontinence, urinary retention, and UTI with significant improvement in QoL. These encouraging data need to be confirmed by further investigations with a larger number of patients.