The condom catheter: urinary tract infection and other complications.

A retrospective study of 64 geriatric patients on an extended care unit at the VA Medical Center strongly suggested that long-term use of a condom catheter drainage system (CCDS) (mean use, 35 months) was regularly associated with urinary tract infection. Common nosocomial pathogens were found, particularly Proteus-Providencia. The CCDS was also associated with significant penile complications. It is hoped that these hazards can be minimized by careful application and monitoring of the CCDS.