Proactive Cystoscopic Debris Removal for Reducing Catheter Blockage in Patients with Long-Term Indwelling Catheters: A Prospective Self-Selected Cohort Study with Exploratory Subgroup Analysis on Urinary Tract Infections
Abstract
Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major concern in patients with long-term indwelling urinary catheters, especially those with neurogenic bladder. This study assessed whether proactive cystoscopic removal of bladder debris reduces symptomatic UTI incidence and catheter blockage. Methods: This prospective, self-selected cohort study was conducted between January 2022 and December 2025 at a tertiary center in Taiwan. Enrollment occurred from January 2022 to June 2024, with follow-up completed by December 2025. Patients chose standard CDC-guided care (control, n = 63) or standard care plus flexible cystoscopy every 3 months for gentle low-volume evacuation (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Urinary Tract Infections Management
Urinary Bladder and Prostate Research
Pelvic floor disorders treatments
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 13
- Pages
- 5217–5217
- Publication date
- 3 July 2026
- Language
- EN