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Patient Satisfaction, Quality of Life, and Catheter-Related Complications in Long-Term Urinary Catheter Users: A Nationwide Survey - Beyond the Abstract

Over the recent decades, the number of urinary catheter users has risen substantially, a trend expected to continue due to the growing elderly population and the increasing volume of surgical procedures.1 To optimize patient satisfaction and minimize catheter-related complications, it is important each patient receives the most appropriate type of urinary catheter. To inform healthcare providers and improve clinical decision-making, we conducted a survey study comparing patient satisfaction, quality of life (QoL), and catheter-related complications across three catheterization types: Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC), Indwelling Urethral Catheters (IDC), and Suprapubic Catheters (SPC).

A total of 3320 patients participated in the study (2,634 CIC, 383 IDC, and 303 SPC). The cohort was 76% male, with a mean age of 72 years, and19% had a neurogenic origin to their bladder dysfunction. Patients using CIC reported higher patient satisfaction and QoL scores, along with fewer catheter-related complications, compared to those using IDC or SPC.

These findings highlight the importance of incorporating patient-reported outcomes into the selection of long-term bladder management strategies. Healthcare providers should be aware of the impact of each catheterization method and actively discuss these with patients to support shared decision-making. Tailoring the catheterization method to individual needs can enhance patient satisfaction while minimizing complications, ultimately improving the standard of care for long-term catheter users.

Written by: Coen H. H. Christiaans, Department of Urology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

References:

  1. Grand View Research. Urinary Catheters Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product (Intermittent, Foley/Indwelling, External Catheters), by Application, by Type, by Gender, by End-user, by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2023–2030. San Francisco, CA: Grand View Research; 2023. Report ID: GVR-1-68038-381-2. Accessed [August 4, 2025]. 
  2. Sartori AM, Kessler TM, Castro-Diaz DM, et al. Summary of the 2024 Update of the European Association of Urology Guidelines on Neurourology. Eur Urol. Jun 2024;85(6):543-555.
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