MANAGEMENT OF SPINAL-CORD INJURED PATIENTS BY INDWELLING SUPRAPUBIC CATHETERIZATION

Purpose: We review the urological complications in spinal cord injury patients treated with suprapubic catheterization. Materials and Method s: Suprapubic catheterization was used in 44 spinal cord injury patien ts. Followup ranged from 12 to 150 months (mean 58). The catheters wer e irrigated weekly and changed every 2 weeks. Patients were followed a nnually with urodynamic studies and ultrasound. Results: No patient ha d renal deterioration, vesicoureteral reflux or bladder carcinoma. The incidences of incontinence, urinary tract infections and calculi were acceptable. Conclusions: Suprapubic catheterization is an effective a nd safe alternative form of bladder management in select patients with spinal cord injury.