What is Intermittent Catheterization?

Intermittent catheterization (IC) refers to the regular insertion of a catheter through the urethra or a channel in the abdominal wall to help patients who are unable to urinate independently empty urine from the bladder or a urinary reservoir. Unlike an indwelling catheter, this method does not keep the catheter inside the bladder continuously; instead, the catheter is inserted only when urination is needed and removed immediately after the bladder is emptied.

There are two main types: Sterile Intermittent Catheterization (SIC) and Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC).

Sterile Intermittent Catheterization (SIC):

Performed under relatively sterile conditions, typically in a hospital setting.

Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC):

Performed under clean conditions, suitable for community or home use, carried out by the patient or a caregiver.

Why is it the “Gold Standard”?

For patients with difficulty urinating, intermittent catheterization is not just an ordinary treatment. It is recognized by the International Continence Society as the preferred and safest method for assisting patients with neurogenic bladder to empty their bladder. It is widely acknowledged within the industry as the “gold standard” (evidence level A).

Regular intermittent catheterization allows the bladder to fill and empty in a controlled manner, helping to maintain normal bladder capacity and promote the recovery of bladder contraction function.

At the same time, it helps to promptly remove residual urine, significantly reducing the risk of urinary and reproductive system infections. It can also improve urinary incontinence, fundamentally enhancing the patient’s quality of life.

Which conditions are suitable for intermittent catheterization?

• Urination problems caused by neurological dysfunction, such as inability to urinate independently due to spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal tumors, etc.
• Non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction, such as difficulty urinating caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia or postpartum urinary retention.
• Bladder obstruction leading to incomplete emptying of urine.
• Certain diagnostic needs, such as collecting urine samples for testing, accurately measuring urine volume, filling the bladder before pelvic ultrasound via vaginal or abdominal routes, or during urodynamic studies.

Which Conditions Are Unsuitable for Intermittent Catheterization?

• Patients who are unable to perform self-catheterization and have no caregiver assistance.
• Individuals with cognitive impairments who cannot cooperate with catheter insertion or follow a regular catheterization schedule.
• Patients with anatomical abnormalities of the urethra, such as urethral stricture, urinary tract obstruction, or bladder neck obstruction.
• Patients suspected of having partial or complete urethral injury, or those with urethral tumors.
• Individuals with a bladder capacity less than 200 ml.
• Patients with active bladder infections.
• Patients with severe urinary incontinence.
• Individuals who cannot control their daily fluid intake or consume excessive amounts of fluids.
• Patients with persistent autonomic bladder reflex abnormalities after treatment.

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2. The medical information provided here is for reference only and should not be used as a basis for clinical diagnosis or treatment.