Clinical utility of a portable ultrasound device in intermittent catheterization

Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of a new portable ultrasound device (PUD) in the management of intermittent catheter programs in patients with neuropathic bladder. Design: Intervention study using randomized control trial. Setting: Tertiary care center providing inpatient and ambulatory rehabilitation services to persons with neurologic disabilities. Participants: Thirty-eight inpatients and outpatients with neuropathic bladders requiring intermittent catheterization. Main Outcome Measures: Mean frequency of intermittent catheterization, mean number of episodes of overdistension, and patient satisfaction as measured with a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Results: The mean frequency of catheterization per day was reduced in the PUD group in comparison with controls (2.99 vs 4.12, p = .026). The number of episodes of overdistension was also reduced in the PUD group but did not reach statistical significance (12.45 vs 14.76, p = .61). Subjects generally expressed satisfaction with the PUD, with 16 of 18 patients at least somewhat satisfied with the device. Conclusion: The PUD isa useful tool for clinicians in patients undergoing intermittent catheterization programs that can reduce the number of required catheters. It is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction. (C) 1998 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.