Residual urine is a common problem among Intermittent Catheter (IC) users and remains an important risk factor for developing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).1 

Urine may contain pathogenic bacteria, which if allowed to remain in the bladder, can multiply and potentially cause a UTI2,3. This means that residual urine should be minimized as much as possible to reduce the risk of UTI development in IC users.1  

Residual urine allows bacteria to grow inside the bladder

The presence of residual urine provides an environment for bacteria to remain in the bladder for a longer period and multiply. 3
Bacteria invade the bladder wall. 2
This allows the bacteria to multiply and invade other epithelial cells in the bladder wall. As it increases the risk of UTI, this is a concern with regard to patients’ health. 2

The impact on patient's wellbeing

What is the literature on residual urine and UTIs?

While there is no consensus of what an acceptable level of residual urine is, international guidelines recognize the importance of avoiding residual urine:

IDSA practice Guideline6 

There is no standard definition of abnormal residual urine volume, because the association between residual urine volume and UTI is not well established, although studies often define abnormal retention as the presence of >100mL of urine on ≥2 consecutive occasions

French Clinical Practice Guideline7 

We strongly recommend that intermittent catheterization completely empties the bladder of urine (strong agreement from the outset)” 

The catheter must be long enough to allow complete emptying of the bladder (strong agreement from the outset)” 

EAU Guidelines on Neuro-Urology8 

Incomplete bladder emptying is a serious risk factor for UTI 

Complete bladder emptying is key to lower the risk of UTIs

Based on outcomes reported by clean intermittent catheter users, the association between risk factors for urinary tract infections (UTI) in relation to Quality of Life (QoL) and UTIs was investigated in a 2022 study.4

Findings from the study underline the importance of patient reported risk factors and the risk of UTIs, with perception of having an empty bladder being associated with 17% lower risk of UTI.

Islamoska S, Landauro MH, Zeeberg R, Jacobsen L, Vaabengaard R. Patient-reported risk factors for urinary tract infections are associated with lower quality of life among users of clean intermittent catheterisation. BAUN; Edinburgh 2022.

"When you have UTIs a few times as a catheter user, you start thinking about what you can do to minimize the risk."

- Flemming Find Madsen

Prior to use, refer to product labeling for complete product instructions for use, contraindications, warnings and precautions.

Luja Coudé is indicated for use by patients with urine retention and patients with a post void residual volume (PVR) due to neurogenic and non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction. The catheter is inserted into the urethra to reach the bladder allowing urine to drain. The product is for adult male patients only. Apply with caution if the patient produces urine with many particles clearly distinguishable by the naked eye, as it may lead to transient urine retention.  See the device manual for detailed information regarding the implant procedure, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and potential complications/adverse events. For further information, call Coloplast Corp. at 1-866-226-6362 and/or consult the company website at www.coloplast.us. Rx Only.