Prevalence and Characteristics of Urinary Catheter Blockage in Patients With Long‐Term Urinary Catheterization: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Natsumi Hirose, Mao Kunimitsu, Chihiro Takizawa, Yukie Kataoka, Minami Shinkawa, Chika Takada, Atsuo Kawamoto, Jun Kamei, Haruki Kume, Chizuko Konya, Hiromi Sanada, Gojiro NakagamiABSTRACT
Aims
To determine the prevalence and characteristics of urinary catheter blockage in older patients using objective indicators and to characterize obstructive materials and microbiota.
Design
A cross‐sectional study.
Methods
Patients aged ≥ 65 years with an indwelling catheter for ≥ 24 h were recruited from a long‐term care hospital. Blockage was defined using objective indicators including residual urine volume, leakage, reinsertion urine volume and resistance to saline injection. Samples were analysed for composition and microbiota.
Results
Among 77 patients, 29.9% experienced catheter blockage. Blockage was associated with shorter catheterization duration and greater intraluminal narrowing.
Conclusion
Catheter blockage occurred in 29.9% of patients, mainly at the catheter tip and associated with struvite. Microbiota differed by blockage status and material composition.
Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care
Objective identification of catheter blockage supports early detection and targeted management and provides a basis for research on mechanisms. These findings provide a foundation for future research to develop and evaluate evidence‐based nursing interventions for preventing catheter blockage in older adults.
Impact
This study addressed the lack of objective criteria and limited understanding of catheter blockage. It showed that about 30% of patients experienced blockage and identified distinct microbiota and material characteristics. These findings may improve catheter management and support future research on mechanisms and prevention.
Reporting Method
STROBE checklist.
Patient or Public Contribution
Patients contributed to data collection by providing information on symptoms related to catheter blockage through structured assessments, while nurses during the study period facilitated data collection and conducted clinical assessments.