Course Theme: Bladder Toutes les sondes ne sont pas identiques

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.

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.

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.

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.

According to WHO the problem of antimicrobial resistance is so serious that it threatens our modern healthcare system.1 By 2050 it may cause 10 million deaths2 or more if we lose our ability to use effective antibiotics.

La rétention urinaire est l’incapacité d’évacuer la totalité de l’urine de la vessie, ce qui crée un volume résiduel d’urine qui peut causer des complications. Il est important de savoir que même si certaines personnes parviennent à uriner, elles peuvent souffrir de rétention urinaire car le volume restant dans la vessie est trop élevé.

With more than 30 years on the market, LoFric has been used and documented in several ways. In addition to efficiently emptying the bladder, LoFric’s versatile use includes treatment and prevention of recurrent strictures, administration of chemotherapy by bladder instillation, and resolution of rare complications.