Patients with neurological disorders often have lower urinary tract dysfunction, manifesting as urinary retention or urinary incontinence, and so commonly use catheters. Neurologists should therefore be aware of the different types of catheters and appliances and their risks, benefits and complications. Clean intermittent self-catheterisation is preferable to an indwelling catheter; however, if this is not possible, then a suprapubic indwelling catheter is preferable to a urethral catheter for long-term management. We review the decision-making process when selecting catheters for neurological patients, the evidence base regarding the different options and how neurologists can recognise and address complications. We also discuss alternatives to catheterisation, such as non-invasive containment products and surgical treatments, and the indications for urological referral.
Practical neurology. 2021 Nov 09 [Epub ahead of print]
Calum Clark, Collette Haslam, Sachin Malde, Jalesh N Panicker
Department of Urology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK., Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK., Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK .