LONG‐TERM CATHETER DRAINAGE IN THE MALE ¹

Abstract

SUMMARY The sources and routes of infection during continuous bladder drainage are discussed and illustrated. Twenty‐nine male patients had continuous closed bladder drainage for periods of seven to seventy‐seven days with an overall infection rate of 21 per cent. When accidental disruption of the closed circuit and repeated urethral instrumentation were avoided no patient became infected. Further improvements in the management of closed drainage are suggested. We wish to thank the consultant surgical staff of the United Bristol Hospitals, Southmead General Hospital and Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, for permission to investigate their patients. We are also grateful to Mr Ashton Miller for his help and advice during these studies.