Time-Opening Suprapubic Catheter versus Intermittent Catheter for Male Patients with Spinal Cord Injury (Spinal Level above Level C5)

Objective: To compare the short-time complications associated with time-opening suprapubic catheter (SPT) versus intermittent catheter (IC) in male patients with spinal cord injury (above level C5). Methods: A prospective review of records was carried out to identify SCI patients managed with SPT or IC between 2011 and 2016. The complications included renal function (Serum creatinine), urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, urethral complications, scrotal, and gross hematuria. Patients were followed at week 4, 3 and 6 months; the urodynamic assessment was repeated at 6 months. Results: A total of 30 patients (11 SPT, 19 IC) were recruited in this trial. No significant difference between the two catheter groups for the entire outcome. Scrotal abscesses and urethral stricture were only seen in patients with IC. Conclusions: SPT have similar urological complication with IC for SCI patients (above level C5) except the incidence of scrotal abscesses and urethral stricture.