The Popularization of Clean Intermittent Catheterization Is a Historical Trend

Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) refers to the method of regularly emptying urine by inserting a catheter into the bladder through the urethra or other bladder outlets (bladder fistula or diversion) under clean conditions [1]. Generally, a disposable sterile catheter is used for catheterization, and the catheter is discarded after voiding. In the past, due to limited medical conditions, catheters were often reused, disinfected after use, and kept for next use, but now they are generally disposable. If reused, the catheter needs to be sterilized by boiling and dried after catheterization and disinfected with iodophor before reuse. The procedure can be completed by the patient himself (clean intermittent self-catheterization) or by family members and caregivers. CIC can protect kidney function and create conditions for patients to participate in social activities for patients with emptying disorders [2, 3].