Clean intermittent self‐catheterization: A burden for the patient?

Abstract

Aim To assess patients' perception of clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) for voiding dysfunction. Patients and Methods A total of 101 patients performing CISC because of voiding dysfunction were invited to participate in this questionnaire survey. The response rate was 91% (92/101). Results The mean time over which CISC was performed was 5 years (standard deviation (SD) ± 6.3) and the mean frequency of CISC per day was three times (SD ± 2). Almost 80% (72/92) of the patients perceived CISC as easy or very easy and CISC did not interfere at all or interfered a little bit with work or other regular daily activities in more than 80% (76/92). Almost 90% (80/92) reported no or minimal pain while performing CISC. This did not interfere at all or interfered a little bit with work or other regular daily activities in almost 90% (80/92). Quality of life improved considerably due to CISC in more than 60% (56/92) and 12% (11/92) complained of a deterioration. In multivariable analysis, severe pain performing CISC (odds ratio 20.9, 95% confidence interval 1.7–259.9, P = 0.018) was the only factor that predicted poor quality of life. Conclusions The majority of patients considered CISC to be an easy and painless procedure which did not interfere with daily activities. Consequently, quality of life improved in more than 60% of the patients. Therefore, CISC does not appear to be a burden for the patient and, from a patient's perspective, can be recommended. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:18–21, 2009.