RESIDUAL URINE FOLLOWING INTERMITTENT CATHETERIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL-CORD INJURIES

Residual urine following catheterisation was studied using ultrasonogr aphy (Ultramark II Scientific Medical System) in 12 patients with spin al cord injury, for an average of 4 months (range 3-7 months) after th e time of injury. All of the patients were examined on three occasions . Urinary tract infections were also registered, and the functional ty pe of the urinary bladder was identified by a cystometric examination. Ultrasonography showed residual urine volumes after 25 of a total of 36 catheterisations (70%). In seven of these catheterisations the resi dual urine volume exceeded 50 ml, and in two patients was more than 10 0 ml. None of the patients had a residual urinary volume of more than 50 ml after all three catheterisations, but in all but two patients, s ome residual urine volume was found after at least one of the catheter isations. Low and non-significant correlations were found between resi dual volume and frequency of urinary tract infections. It is possible that even small residual urine volumes after catheterisations may pred ispose to urinary tract infections in these patients.