ABSTRACT

I. INTRODUCTION The introduction of intermittent catheterization as a management option for a multitude of urinary bladder or sphincter dysfunctions has changed the practice of urology to a remarkable degree over the past 29 years. The technique involves emptying the bladder (or other urine storage reservoir) on a regular basis with a catheter inserted by the patient or caregiver. The catheter is removed when the bladder is empty. When performed at regular intervals, this technique prevents overdistension of the bladder with urine, while allowing the patient to remain free of a chronically indwelling catheter or other drainage device. Intermittent catheterization is appropriate for children as well as adults, and is applicable to the management of urine storage dysfunction as well as urine emptying dysfunction (1-3). Intermittent catheterization has proved to be a safe, effective, and widely used management option for a variety of urological conditions.