The use of bladder wash-outs to reduce urinary catheter encrustation.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effectiveness of bladder washouts in reducing catheter encrustation.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A model of the catheterized bladder was developed and used to produce catheter encrustation in vitro. The effects of bladder wash-outs with Suby G, mandelic acid 1% or saline 0.9% were compared with control catheters that did not receive wash-outs, by measuring the area of patent catheter lumen and the changes in urinary calcium and magnesium concentrations after wash-outs.

RESULTS

Encrustation was reduced significantly, compared with the controls, in catheters washed out with the acidic reagents, Suby G and mandelic acid. Saline wash-outs did not reduce encrustation.

CONCLUSION

The model of the catheterized bladder provided a reliable technique with which to examine the effects of bladder wash-out on catheter encrustation under controlled conditions. The results indicate that bladder wash-outs with Suby G or mandelic acid may be beneficial for patients who suffer from recurrent catheter encrustation and blockage.