PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Calum Clark
AU  - Collette Haslam
AU  - Sachin Malde
AU  - Jalesh N Panicker
TI  - Urinary catheter management: what neurologists need to know
AID  - 10.1136/practneurol-2020-002772
DP  - 2021 Dec 01
TA  - Practical Neurology
PG  - 504--514
VI  - 21
IP  - 6
4099  - http://pn.bmj.com/content/21/6/504.short
4100  - http://pn.bmj.com/content/21/6/504.full
SO  - Pract Neurol2021 Dec 01; 21
AB  - 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.