Urethral catheterization of the bladder is a commonly performed but po
tentially hazardous procedure. With proper patient preparation and cat
heter selection, difficult catheterizations can be accomplished withou
t injuring the patient. Complications of catheterization include infec
tion, injury to the urethra or bladder, and catheter malfunction. Phys
ician supervision of catheter care is essential. Most of all, prompt r
eplacement of the urethral catheter with an alternative method of blad
der drainage, such as spontaneous voiding, external condom catheteriza
tion, clean intermittent catheterization or, possibly, suprapubic cath
eterization, is the best way to prevent the complications of urethral
catheterization.