[Drainage of the bladder by suprapubic catheterization (author's transl)]

In most cases of urine retention due to lower urinary tract obstruction, the distended bladder can be drained by suprapubic catheterization. Only large intervesical blood clots cannot be removed by this method. The technique has been simplified and made non-traumatic and safe by the advent of small-diameter, self-winding, polyrethane catheters (Cystofix) which are easy to handle and well tolerated. The urethra and possible cervico-prostatis obstacles are left undisturbed, and radiological as well as manometric explorations can be performed. Complications do not occur if bladder distention is well ascertained, if the catheter is accurately inserted and if stringent aseptic precautions are taken. In the authors' unit suprapubic catheterization has become common practice and transurethral catheterization is seldom performed.