Intestinal Injury After Suprapubic Catheterisation: A Scoping Review

Suprapubic catheterisation (SPC) is a commonly performed urological procedure. Although it is generally safe, SPC-induced bowel injury is a rare but morbid complication. It is described in the literature, but management consensus is lacking. A scoping review was conducted assessing existing literature regarding the management of intestinal injury. The review highlighted that bowel perforation, particularly involving the small bowel and terminal ileum, is the commonest SPC-related bowel injury type. Depending on the severity of the injury and the patients' condition, various management strategies, ranging from exploratory laparotomy to less invasive techniques like laparoscopic intervention, are documented. Despite the introduction of preventive measures, such as ultrasound guidance, intestinal injury occurs. SPC-associated bowel injury is a serious but rare complication despite available preventative measures. Its management varies and depends on the part of the bowel injured and its severity. This review highlights reported management strategies specific to this injury and a literature summary to aid future quality improvement on the topic.