There is evidence that there is no difference in the incidence of urinary tract infections between multiple-use catheters that are cleaned after use and single-use catheters for intermittent catheterization. Despite the very significant economic and environmental advantages of multiple-use catheters, the single-use option is still promoted. The increasing focus on sustainability in urology may prompt a shift in practice to multiple-use catheters or other novel solutions in this setting. PATIENT SUMMARY: In intermittent catheterization, a patient or their caregiver periodically inserts a catheter to drain the bladder of urine. Single-use catheters are more expensive and have a greater impact on the environment than resuable catheters that are cleaned after use. To improve sustainability in health care, a switch from single-use to multiple-use catheters or other novel soultions for intermittent catheterization should be considered.
Keywords: Clean intermittent catheterization; Reusable catheters; Single-use catheters; Urinary tract infection.
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