A comparison of fine-bore suprapubic and an intermittent urethral catheterisation regime after spinal cord injury

Abstract

A prospective trial, comparing fine-bore suprapubic catheterisation and intermittent urethral catheterisation as methods of bladder drainage in the acute stage following spinal cord injury, was conducted. The results showed no important difference in either method of bladder management. Fine-bore suprapubic catheterisation is particularly suitable for young female patients, who find repeated urethral catheterisation distasteful; in other patients it is an acceptable alternative to intermittent urethral catheterisation, particularly where economic considerations are paramount.