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.
European urology focus. 2023 Oct 04 [Epub ahead of print]
Christopher S Elliott
Division of Urology, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, CA, USA; Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, CA, USA. Electronic address: .