The review concludes that evidence in general supports hydrophilic catheters over non-hydrophilic in terms of higher satisfaction, preference and quality of life. With regard to UTIs, the benefits of hydrophilic catheters are seen in adults in all the studies where raw data was available, but studies in children were inconclusive. Several studies with children reported touching of the catheter surface which may be a much larger risk factor for UTI compared to the difference between hydrophilic and uncoated. Children also complained that hydrophilic coated catheters were slippery, affecting outcomes such as satisfaction and preference. No conclusions were made regarding adverse events on haematuria, bleeding, and strictures.
The review contradicts the findings in the recent Cochrane review1 which was already identified to have numerous limitations and mistakes,2 but conclusions are supported by other recent reviews regarding UTI,3,4 reduction of trauma5 improvement in QoL6 and satisfaction.7
Written by: Andrei Krassioukov, MD, Associate Director and Scientist, ICORD, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
References:
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- Feng D, Cheng L, Bai Y, Yang Y, Han P. Outcomes comparison of hydrophilic and non-hydrophilic catheters for patients with intermittent catheterization: An updated meta-analysis. Asian J Surg. 2020.