Comparative analysis of urethral catheterization versus suprapubic cystostomy in management of neurogenic bladder in spinal injured patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was, to prospectively and retro respectively evaluate urethral catheterization (UC) versus supra-pubic cystostomy (SPC) in prevention of urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients with spinal cord injury lesion. METHODS: A total of 125 patients with neurogenic bladder and a mean age of 30 years had UC (n=80) and SPC (n=40) at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) between January 1984 and June 2005. RESULTS: Episodes of UTI were significantly more; UC 65% versus 14% forS PC (P< O 0 5). Urinary tract infection occurred relatively late in the course of admission, in patient who had SPC. Patients in SPC group were significantly satisfied with this management option; 57% versus 8% for UC. Similarly, mortality at 1 year post admission was significantly less; 9% versus 36% for UC and death due to UTI related septicaemia was 33% versus 18% respectively. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that SPC was a better management option since it was associated with a low morbidity, better quality of life and a longer life expectancy than UC.