Indications for and outcomes of clean intermittent catheterization in children with normal genital sensation.

PURPOSE: Clean intermittent catheterization is generally accepted by parents and children with neurogenic bladder. We analyzed the indications for and feasibility of clean intermittent catheterization in children with normal genital sensation.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 2 girls and 15 boys 15 months to 15 years old (mean age 8 years) on clean intermittent catheterization with normal genital sensation. Indications for clean intermittent catheterization were urinary retention and poor urodynamic compliance with or without hydronephrosis. Parents evaluated the protocol via a questionnaire and the children were studied with age appropriate standard instruments to assess the consequences of clean intermittent catheterization on psychological development.

RESULTS

There were no medical complications related to clean intermittent catheterization. Four of the 7 children with urinary retention and 7 of the 10 with poor bladder compliance continued the protocol. There was no difference in the results of psychological testing for patients who had success or failure (mean followup 5 years). Parent and patient comfort levels were most important for the success of clean intermittent catheterization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that clean intermittent catheterization is feasible in children with normal genital sensation but successful in only two-thirds.