Complications of long-term catheterization in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract disorders

Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) is widely recognized as the gold standard for achieving complete bladder emptying in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract disorders (nLUTD). However, ISC is not always feasible, necessitating in some cases long-term catheterization (LTC) via either the urethra or a suprapubic route. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on the complications associated with LTC, focusing on the underlying mechanisms, prevalence, and management strategies related to per urethral catheterization (PUC) and suprapubic catheterization (SPC). A PubMed-based literature search was conducted between July 2022 and August 2024, using specific keywords detailed in the article’s addendum. Our review identified the latest evidence on complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), stone formation, urethral injuries, bladder cancer, psychological impacts, and the effects on sexuality associated with LTC in neurogenic bladder (NB) patients. This review underscores the importance of healthcare providers and patients being well-informed about these potential risks to make evidence-based decisions regarding bladder management in neurogenic conditions.