Latex urinary catheters for the short-time drainage.

Sir,

The report on “latex urinary catheters for the short-time drainage” is very interesting.[1] Hosseinpour et al. concluded “urinary tract catheterization with latex catheters is a safe, feasible, and in-expensive procedure for short-term postoperative course in hypospadias surgery in patients without latex hypersensitivity.”[1] This animal model might imply the safety and efficacy of the latex urinary catheter. However, whether the catheter is useful in human or not is questionable. The important consideration is on latex allergy.[2] Although the incidence of allergy to latex catheter is unknown, this is a problem that needs consideration.[3] Monasterio et al. noted “long-term indwelling urinary catheter usage may be at risk for the development” of latex allergy.[4] To increase the safety of usage of latex urinary catheter, screening for possible latex allergy is suggested.