A method to minimize indwelling catheter calcification and bladder stones in individuals with spinal cord injury

Indwelling catheters are a common tool of bladder management in persons with high-level spinal cord injury who are unable to intermittently catheterize their bladders. Indwelling catheters are used to prevent bladder overdistension, which can trigger autonomic dysreflexia in those with injuries at or above T6. Unfortunately, indwelling catheters are prone to encrustation and can lead to the formation of bladder stones that can block the catheter and cause autonomic dysreflexia. We found that weekly catheter changes dramatically reduced catheter encrustation and stones in 2 individuals who had a history of recurrent stones despite various accepted interventions. We describe the clinical course and impact of this method in each case.