Current evidence about catheter maintenance solutions for management of catheter blockage in long-term urinary catheterisation

Abstract

Catheter maintenance solutions are commonly used to prevent or treat blockage of long-term indwelling urinary catheters; however, the efficacy and safety of these solutions is unclear and considerable differences in practice exist. To ascertain best practice, we conducted a review of the literature using MEDLINE and CINAHL electronic databases and selected relevant primary and secondary research between January 1998 and April 2018. The search was limited to English language publications about catheter maintenance solutions use by people with a long-term indwelling urinary catheter living in the community. A total of nine publications, including two randomised controlled trials, one experimental, laboratory-based study, three guidelines, one set of evidence statements and two Cochrane Systematic Reviews were identified. Primary research about catheter maintenance solutions use was limited to two randomised controlled studies, both of which compared catheter maintenance solutions to control groups in community settings and a laboratory-based experimental trial using simulated catheterised bladders. These trials were previously identified in secondary research. They revealed insufficient data to judge the efficacy or safety of catheter maintenance solutions use among community-dwelling adults with a long-term indwelling urinary catheter. No new primary research relating to the topic was identified. Health professionals involved in the care of people with a long-term indwelling urinary catheter should be aware of the current lack of research and potential complications of catheter maintenance solutions and incorporate this to their practice and client education to ensure optimal outcomes. Further research is needed to determine if catheter maintenance solutions are effective in preventing and treating long-term urinary catheter blockage in clinical settings.