Course Theme: Bladder Not all catheters are the same

Urine often has a high concentration of particles and a 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 and scientific literature support claims that use of hydrophilic catheters reduces urethral trauma and urinary tract infections (UTIs). 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 UTIs in particular.

Single-use hydrophilic catheters were developed in the early eighties to address long-term complications of intermittent catheterization that came about when people reused plastic catheters with add-on lubrication.

One way to prevent antimicrobial resistance is by preventing common infections and limiting the overuse of antibiotics.

Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder of urine, leaving behind a volume of urine which can lead to complications. It is important to realize that some people can still pass some urine but still be in retention as the volume left in the bladder is too high.

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.