Button could end catheter misery

Doctors in Oxford are working on a neater alternative to the catheter for tens of thousands of people with bladder problems.

A "bladder button" has been tested which is sits snugly on the abdomen and is drained on demand rather than a constantly emptying catheter.

Researchers say the more discreet device would help reduce trauma and embarrassment for patients.

They have already been trialled on a small number of people in Oxfordshire.

John Reynard, Consultant Urologist at Churchill Hospital, said: "When they are fitted it really is an emotional experience for them because it's so much neater and nicer looking.

The development of the bladder button could mean an end to unreliable, restrictive, unsightly and painful catheters Dr Lorna Layward

"A catheter is very obvious, it hangs down underneath your clothes and it's not very nice.

"It can block, it can smell, it can be painful and embarrassing - you could wet yourself and not even know it.

"Because of this people with them may find it difficult to form close relationships."

Instead of a catheter which empties constantly into a bag, the button acts like a tap which can be connected to a tube to empty the bladder as required. Doctors say this will greatly improve quality of life.

'Life quality'

The lead doctors on the project, Dr Reynard and Professor Brian Andrews from Oxford Brookes University think the bladder button would be most suitable for younger people with spinal chord injuries, those with MS or older people with dexterity.

The research is being partly funded by Research into Ageing - part of Help the Aged.

Dr Lorna Layward from Research into Ageing said: "We're delighted to be supporting this incredibly important and pioneering work, particularly as bladder and bowel control is so shockingly under-researched.

"The development of the bladder button could mean an end to unreliable, restrictive, unsightly and painful catheters, improving dramatically the quality of life for people in the UK affected by incontinence."

Patients can be referred to the project through their GP.