[The relevance of catheterization in neurourology]

Together with comprehension and therapy of neurogenic failure of the storage function of the urinary bladder, intermittent catheterization as a pressure-free voiding method without residual urine, represents a major principle of therapy in lower urinary tract dysfunction. Aseptic intermittent catheterization is recommended in Germany and Europe and seems to be acceptable even in long-term application with low complication rates. It is a precondition that patients are seen for clinical and urodynamic reevaluation at risk-adapted time intervals. The major focus is on early recognition and avoidance of threatening complications. The most important preventive measures are the motivation and compliance of the well-educated patient and the use of careful catheterization techniques with individually optimized catheters.Although aseptic intermittent catheterization has been used effectively for many years there is still a lack of randomized controlled studies for some important questions of details and an optimal catheter has still to be defined. Furthermore, valid conclusions based on well-conducted studies on the self-estimated quality of life of patients with intermittent catheterization, especially those with catheterization by attendant, are urgently needed. Intermittent catheterization is never a ready-made solution but always an individually tailored treatment for patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction.