Abstract

"Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics of several types of urinary catheters on prevalence, indication and duration of use at a single medical center. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the prevalence of in-patients with urinary catheters at 9AM 8th July 2010 among a total of 843 cases at a university hospital located in the Gyeong-in province. We also examined the indication, duration of catheterization use, and the results of urinalysis and urine culture. Results: The prevalence of in-patients with urinary catheter at our hospital was 12% (103/843 cases). The urethral Foley catheter was the most commonly used, in 88.3% of cases. The duration of catheter use was related to indications, short-term use was common in perioperative use (64.7%) and urine output measurement (72.7%), intermediate-term and long-term use were common in bladder outlet obstruction (50%) and prolonged immobilization (50%), respectively. The positive urine culture rate and grade of pyuria were increased in long-term use (81.8%, 3.0grade) compared to short-term (57.1%, 0.9grade) and intermediate-term use (41.6%, 1.8grade) (p<0.001, p=0.032) Conclusions: The urinary catheter was used in 12% of in-patients at a single tertiary medical center, and 88% of used catheter was urethral Foley catheter. The duration of catheter was related to indication, and incidence of pyuria and bacteriuria was higher in long-term use than in short or intermediate-term use. The establishment of a proper Korean guideline for the management of urinary catheter and regular education at each medical center are needed."

• Keywords: Catheter, Indwelling, Catheter-related infections