200 million people worldwide are affected by urinary incontinence. Emeritus consultant urologist to the North Bristol NHS Trust, Professor Roger Feneley, a leading urologist, urged people to stop treating urinary incontinence as a ‘taboo’ subject and to speak more openly about it after the launch of the world’s first intelligent catheter leg bag with an electrical pump.

The award-winning leg bag called the Melio system, which has been developed by UK-based Albert Medical Devices, has received praises from leading urologists for its capability of improving overall urology care and restoring patient’s dignity and independence.

Professor Feneley highlighted the significance of talking openly about incontinence, by saying:

“Many thousands of older and disabled people rely on a catheter and bag to control their loss of bladder control yet this is a subject rarely discussed because of the embarrassment it can cause. The catheter in universal use worldwide has not fundamentally changed for over 70 years. It is invariably drained into a urine collection bag, well concealed under clothing and any attempt to empty can present a major upheaval for the user and often an even trickier maneuver for the carer.

The Melio leg bag completely transforms this routine task, enabling the urine collection bag to be emptied discreetly without an undignified struggle. So many catheter users and their carers could benefit if only they knew such a device was available.”

For over 50 years leg bags have remained largely unchanged. To empty the bag, patients have to bend down to where the bag is strapped, which is not always possible to do without assistance. In addition, the wearers of traditional bags are also unaware of when the bag is full, which can lead to reflux and infections as a simple one way valve is insufficient when the bag is overly full.

The Melio bag deals with these problems by replacing the tap with a tiny pump that has a simple computerized level detector. The wearer remains in control through a compact computer controller that clips onto the waist belt.

According to Tom Fitzherbert, CEO of Albert Medical Devices:

“Self-management for patients is essential for them to restore dignity and give them greater control. As well as offering huge benefits to wearers, the Melio leg is an improved and cost-effective solution for hospitals and care homes.”

Written by Petra Rattue