Answer: Risks of long-term catheter use include UTIs, pyelonephritis, stones, periurethral abscesses, urosepsis, and colonization with virulent or resistent bacteria and yeast.  Reference: Forciea MA, Schwab EP, Raziano DB, Lavizzo-Mourey RJ: Geriatric Secrets, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Hanley & Belfus, 2004.

Answer: There are only a few indications for a chronic indwelling Foley catheter. Urinary retention should be treated with chronic catheterization if it produces renal dysfunction, infections, or overflow incontinence and if it is not treatable with surgery, medications, and intermittent catheterization. Decubitus ulcers, or skin irritations, whose healing is complicated by incontinence, may justify [...]

Answer: Stress incontinence: pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, alpha-adrenergic agonists, estrogen, biofeedback, behavioral training, periurethral injections, surgical bladder neck suspension. Urge incontinence: bladder relaxants, estrogen (if vaginal atrophy is present), training procedures (e.g., biofeedback, behavioral therapy), surgical removal of obstructing or other irritating pathologic lesions. Overflow incontinence: surgical removal of obstruction, intermittent catheterization (if practical), bladder [...]

Answer: Functional incontinene is leakage of urine associated with inability to toilet because of impairment of cognitive and/or physical functioning, psychological unwillingness, or environmental barriers. It is seen in severe dementia and other neurologic disorders as well as psychological conditions such as depression, regression, anger, and hostility.   Reference: Kane RL, et al: Essentials of [...]

Answer: Overflow incontinence is the involuntary loss of small amounts of urine resulting from mechanical forces on an overdistended bladder or from other effects of urinary retention on bladder and sphincter function. Causes are anatomic obstruction by the prostate, stricture, or cystocele; acontractile bladder associated with diabetes mellitus or spinal cord injury; and neurogenic (detrusor-sphincter [...]

Answer: Urge incontinence is the involuntary loss of larger volumes of urine due to the inability to delay voiding when the sensation of bladder fullness (urge) is perceived. Causes include detrusor motor and/or sensory instability, either alone or in combination with one of the following:  1. Local GU conditions such as cystitis, urethritis, tumors, stones, [...]

Answer: Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of small volumes of urine related to events that cause increased intra-abdominal pressure (coughing, laughing, and exercise). It is more common in females (present with laughing in 50% of young females) and increases with aging. Its causes include weakness or laxity of pelvic floor muscles, bladder outlet, or [...]