Washout policies in long-term indwelling urinary catheterisation in adults

People requiring long-term bladder draining with an indwelling catheter can experience catheter blockage. Regimens involving different solutions can be used to washout catheters with the aim of preventing blockage. This study aimed to determine if certain washout regimens are better than others in terms of effectiveness, acceptability, complications, quality of life and economics for the management of long-term indwelling urinary catheterisation in adults.We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 30 April 2009), MEDLINE (January 1966 to April 2009), MEDLINE In-Process (30 April 2009), EMBASE (January 1980 to April 2009) and CINAHL (December 1981 to April 2009). Additionally, we examined all reference lists of identified trials and contacted manufacturers and researchers in the field.