Fordype

In this publication highlight you will learn more about autonomic dysreflexia (AD) an how to manage an AD episode.

Extensive studies support scientific literature claiming that use of hydrophilic catheters reduce urethral trauma and urinary tract infections. This in turn can minimize the need for antibiotics. Because of these benefits, we now know that hydrophilic catheters are one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent long term urological complications in general and UTI in particular.

In this publication highlight you can read about how constipation impacts urogenital symptoms in women.

At Wellspect HealthCare we take our environmental responsibility seriously. We continuously work to minimize the environmental impact related to our products. We ensure that proper materials are used and all applicable production requirements are followed. For the LoFric catheter, this means that we use a core catheter material with proven low environmental impact as compared to other common catheter materials1 without compromising quality and patient perception.2 3 In fact, the core material of LoFric has been proven to optimize catheter management and reduce discomfort.2

For those who cannot empty their bladder the normal way, intermittent catheterization is the therapy of choice to maintain urethral health. Complications are common but when hydrophilic single-use catheters entered the market, the risks of UTI dropped significantly. Low friction seemed to be key to maintain urethral health. Today, there is only one hydrophilic catheter that is scientifically proven to reduce complications also after long-term use.

Recurrent UTIs in children with neurogenic bladders constitute high risk of leading to severe kidney damage and need to be an area of attention. This study is useful in determining treatments and proactive measures for preventing recurrent UTIs.

A surprisingly high number of patients reuses catheters intended for single-use every day putting them at risk for unnecessary complications. Single-use hydrophilic catheters for intermittent catheterization lower the risk for short- and long-term complications and are a convenient and preferred choice for many patients.

A lubricated catheter is recommended to reduce damage to the urethra and lower the risk of hematuria which is a common complication. A cross-over study comparing different hydrophilic catheters showed an even lower frequency of hematuria in patients who chose LoFric.

Urine often has a high concentration of particles and low content of water. This is referred to as high osmolality. Urine osmolality has a direct effect on catheter lubrication and plays an important role for people who use hydrophilic catheters. Catheters with a surface osmolality in balance with urine is key to reducing withdrawal friction.

Patient adherence plays a key role in a successful and cost-effective catheterization treatment. A patient who feels part of the decision-making, in control of his options and how they work with his lifestyle is more inclined to stick with his therapy and subsequently experience a good clinical outcome.

Single-use hydrophilic catheters were developed in the early eighties to address long-term complications of intermittent catheterization as seen when reusing plastic catheters with add-on lubrication. As reported by Wyndaele and Maes1 and Perrouin-Verbe et al.2 the majority of complications related to intermittent catheterization occur after long-term use as a result of damage to the urethral wall from repeated catheterizations. In contrast, long-term use of LoFric hydrophilic catheters is reported to prevent urethral trauma and complications.3 4

Bladder instillation is used for local administration of drugs into the bladder. This is used for treatment of interstitial cystitis and cancer, for example. Drugs are being delivered by catheters and a hydrophilic-coated surface such as that of the LoFric catheters reduces the risk for trauma associated with instillation therapy.

Bladder management with intermittent catheterization is associated with complications. The most severe and common one is UTI.

Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are common in the hospital setting with consequential morbidity and mortality. The risk of bacterial adhesion and invasion of the urinary tract increases with use of an indwelling catheterization and may be reduced by adopting intermittent catheterization using hydrophilic single-use catheters.

Introduction of a no-touch catheter/technique for intermittent catheterization seems to be well accepted both by caregivers and patients and it is not necessarily associated with higher costs. On the contrary, it could potentially reduce costs, saving time and errors in the healthcare system and reduce infection complications in general. The clinical evidence level is low for using no-touch technique/catheter to reduce UTIs but current available studies suggest benefits of it.

In this publication highlight you can read more about how to evaluate neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction with a patient-centric tool, goal attainment scaling, to individualize management. 

In this publication highlight you will learn more about autonomic dysreflexia (AD) an how to manage an AD episode.

In this scientific review you will learn more about incomplete emptying causes and treatment.

In this publication highlight you can read about how constipation impacts urogenital symptoms in women.

Bowel problems in children are common, up to 29% of children can be affected by functional constipation and functional fecal incontinence, where the symptom origin is not known.

This is a summary of the published article Long-term efficacy and safety of transanal irrigation in multiple sclerosis by Passananti et al. 2016

Navina™ Smart Data - for Healthcare Professionals is a unique source of information providing knowledge in the field of transanal irrigation.

In this science article a combined retrospective and cross-sectional survey study investigates chronic idiopathic constipation in children and bowel regimen with bowel irrigation, also called transanal irrigation (TAI).

Defecation disorders are common in conditions affecting the nervous system, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida and severe Parkinson’s disease, and have great impact on self-esteem, personal relationships and social life.1,2 Severity of the disorder often correlates to quality of life2 which is why improving bowel function is rated among the highest priorities among affected patients.3,4 Transanal Irrigation (TAI) offers a good, non-invasive, treatment alternative for these patients.

Transanal irrigation (TAI) is a well-documented and safe bowel management therapy. Today, compliance is the major issue with TAI therapy, and may be improved through greater knowledge of which patient is best suited for TAI. Patient training and close follow up with digital support during start up may also increase compliance.

In this publication highlight you can read more about how to evaluate neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction with a patient-centric tool, goal attainment scaling, to individualize management. 

In this publication highlight you can read about pediatric constipation causes, impact and management.