The use of urinary catheters in terminally ill cancer patients

Recent reports have commented on the need to improve our knowledge and management of urinary problems in terminally ill patients. We conducted a prospective study in 61 consecutive patients admitted to our palliative care unit (PCU), who were assessed for urinary problems, use of urinary catheters, and management of problems associated with the catheters. A total of 74% (45 of 61) of the patients required a catheter before death, with 23 (38%) being admitted to the PCU with a catheter, and 22 patients (36%) requiring a catheter during admission to PCU. We present our findings regarding the duration of catheter use, indications for catheters, type of catheters used, and complications of catheters. The data collected suggest that, although urinary problems and catheter use are common in terminal illness, if strict guidelines are followed there is no demonstrable mortality, and morbidity associated with catheter use is outweighed by patient benefit.