2. UroToday Home
  3. Recent Abstracts
  4. Pelvic Health & Reconstruction
  5. Neurogenic Bladder

Managing Neurogenic Bladder with a Suprapubic Catheter vs Urethral Foley – Which is Best?

Purpose of Review: Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is a multifaceted condition in which choosing a bladder management strategy should be tailored to the individual’s abilities and expectations. There has been much debate surrounding which continuous bladder drainage option is best with regards to indwelling urethral foley catheters and suprapubic catheters. In this review, we discuss the relevant literature evaluating the role of urethral catheters and suprapubic catheters as a means of urinary drainage for patients with NLUTD.

Recent Findings: Optimal management of the bladder for NLUTD has been widely debated over time. Guidelines regarding the management of NLUTD suggest indwelling urethral catheters (IUC) and suprapubic catheters (SPC) for lower urinary tract management have unique advantages and disadvantages. Various studies have analyzed outcomes related to each modality.

Summary: Both urethral catheters and suprapubic catheters are reasonable methods for continuous bladder drainage in the NLUTD population. Review of the literature shows similar rates of urinary tract infection, malignancy, and stone development, but SPC may have lower rates of upper tract deterioration, genital complication, and higher patient satisfaction and comfort as compared to IUC. As a result, SPC overall may have superior outcomes as compared to IUC.

Holly Smith, Javier E. Santiago, Sarah E. McAchran & Frank C. Lin

Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1685 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA

Source: Smith, H., Santiago, J.E., McAchran, S.E. et al. Managing Neurogenic Bladder with a Suprapubic Catheter vs Urethral Foley – Which is Best?. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 20, 12 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-025-00781-x.