Three methods of cleaning urinary catheters for reuse at home by clients on intermittent catheterization programs were studied. Reused catheters were collected from clients, autoclaved, and then incubated in a culture of Escherichia coli broth. Three different isolates of E. coli were used at concentrations ranging from 4.8 x 10(5) to 1.0 x 10(8) colony-forming units per milliliter. The catheters were then rinsed with tap water for 1 minute and soaked in one of three cleaning solutions for 30 minutes. The three cleaning solutions studied were 0.6% hydrogen peroxide, bleach in a 1:4 solution with tap water, and betadine in a 1:2 solution with tap water. None of the cleaned catheters showed detectable growth for 48 hours after the cleaning procedure was performed.

The Mitrofanoff continent catheterizable channel is a surgical option that gives rehabilitation patients who have difficulty gaining access to their urethras for clean intermittent catheterization more independence in selfcare. This article presents a historical review, pre- and postoperative nursing assessment, nursing care, and a case study.

An adolescent SCI patient's constant resistant behaviors caused caregivers to reconsider the usual rehabilitation nursing focus of teaching for independence. Teaching goals were changed to focus on the most essential information and behaviors that would be needed for safe care after discharge. The family and the patient were able to learn these, and although no further progress has been made toward independence, it appears that the patient is being safely cared for in the community.