Prescribe clean intermittent self-catheterization

Clean intermittent self-catheterization is the recommended mode of voiding in patients with urinary retention. CISC is a non-sterile catheterization, done by the patient himself to insure complete emptying of the bladder several times per day. Its prescription rests on well-established recommendations with a sufficient frequency of self-catheterization (minimum 4), collected volumes less than 400 mL and a diuresis higher than 1.5 L. Clean intermittent self-catheterization allows a reduction in complications of infection, protects the upper urinary tract and provides urinary continence for the patient. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is very frequent in patients treated with intermittent catheterization and does not justify antibiotic therapy. Only symptomatic urinary tract infections have to be treated by a short course of antibiotics. Patient education and personalized medical follow-up must ensure adapted management dependant on this voiding mode and its risk factors. A guideline is provided to prescribe clean intermittent self-catheterization with its indications, its advantages and complications, its medical surveillance and treatment of urinary tract infection. This procedure should be well-known to general practitioners who are responsible for the follow up of these patients.