MANAGEMENT OF THE NEUROPATHIC BLADDER BY SUPRAPUBIC CATHETERIZATION

Forty out-patients with neuropathic bladders managed by suprapubic cat heterisation have been reviewed. Management included anticholinergic t herapy and daily clamping of the catheter to maintain a compliant blad der of good capacity. Twenty-three females and 17 males (mean age 45 y ears) were studied. Failed intermittent catheterisation and the replac ement of long-term urethral catheters were the main indications for su prapubic catheterisation. Catheter-related problems were common, with only 5 patients reporting none. Acceptance by patients was high (84%). No evidence could be found of accelerated renal deterioration in pati ents followed up for more than 2 years. A policy for the management of suprapubic catheters is recommended.