Abstract

Although historical records imply that ancient physicians relieved distended urinary bladders as early as the 1st century BCE, the iconic figure Frederick Foley published his definitive experiences with urinary catheterization in 1937.¹ Foley’s publication, reporting innovation by way of a simple latex rubber catheter, ushered in the modern era of urinary catheterization. The flexible, sterile, and balloon-tipped urinary catheter has dramatically changed the practice of urology, surgery, and medicine for both better and worse. Foley’s original intent was not only modest but also specific: to safely and humanely catheterize the bladder in an effort to control hemorrhage after prostatectomy. It is time to contrast Foley’s restrained debut of urinary catheters with a recent unbridled exuberance. It has been estimated that urinary catheters are placed in 25% of hospitalized patients for various indications, some clinically compelling, others simply expedient.² This proliferation of bladder catheterizations comes at a substantial price, not only in dollars and cents (by increasing length of stay) but also in morbidity and mortality. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections have become the most common nosocomial infection in the world, annually affecting 800,000 people and thereby comprising 40% of all nosocomial infections.^2,3 The staggering statistics have been appreciated for some time, but wholesale practice improvement has been glacial. Therein lies the rub.