Percutaneous bladder catheterization in microgravity
Jeffrey A. Jones1, Andrew W. Kirkpatrick2, Douglas R. Hamilton3,
Ashot E. Sargsyan3, Mark Campbell2, Shannon Melton3,
Yael R. Barr4, Scott A. Dulchavsky5
Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.14, No.2, pp. 3493-3498, 2007
Abstract Introduction: Urinary obstruction (UO) or failure to void has been observed during several episodes of short-duration spaceflight, necessitating bladder catheterization. It should be considered a possible medical condition in long-duration space missions as well. Antiemetics used early in space flight add to the risk and severity of voiding problems, along with the sensory and psychological peculiarities of voiding without gravity and in the unusual setting of a spacecraft. Urolithiasis due to the above-normal calcium excretion increases the risk of UO in long duration space missions. Finally, the individual risk of UO is higher against the background… More >