Clinical utility of a portable ultrasound device in intermittent catheterization.

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical utility of a new portable ultrasound device (PUD) in the management of intermittent catheter programs in patients with neuropathic bladder. Intervention study using randomized control trial. Tertiary care center providing inpatient and ambulatory rehabilitation services to persons with neurologic disabilities. Thirty-eight inpatients and outpatients with neuropathic bladders requiring intermittent catheterization. Mean frequency of intermittent catheterization, mean number of episodes of overdistension, and patient satisfaction as measured with a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. The mean frequency of catheterization per day was reduced in the PUD group in comparison with controls (2.99 vs 4.12, p = .026). The number of episodes of overdistension was also reduced in the PUD group but did not reach statistical significance (12.45 vs 14.76, p = .61). Subjects generally expressed satisfaction with the PUD, with 16 of 18 patients at least somewhat satisfied with the device. The PUD is a useful tool for clinicians in patients undergoing intermittent catheterization programs that can reduce the number of required catheters. It is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction.