The issue of patients experiencing difficulty in completely voiding their bladders is well documented in the clinical setting. It is common for both urologists and family doctors to encounter neurological dysfunctions of the lower urinary tract. In numerous neurological conditions, incomplete bladder emptying and urinary retention are frequently observed. This problem predominantly manifests in cases of bladder detrusor muscle hypofunction or detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Urinary retention can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections and, in severe cases, kidney damage. In Poland, the most common management method remains the insertion of a permanent catheter into the bladder. Both permanent transurethral catheterisation and, to a lesser extent, suprapubic cystostomy are associated with various complications and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. The first documented use of clean intermittent self-catheterisation, or catheterisation performed by a third party, dates back to the 1970s. Since then, this approach has become increasingly widespread in clinical practice. The primary rationale for self-catheterisation is the reduced risk of urinary tract infections compared to permanent catheters. However, self-catheterisation requires greater involvement from healthcare professionals, particularly urology nurses. It is essential to provide adequate support to patients and their caregivers during the preparatory phase for self-catheterisation. Despite these efforts, a significant proportion of patients ultimately discontinue self-catheterisation.

urinary bladder catheterisation, neurological dysfunction of the lower urinary tract, urinary bladder, post-void residual, urinary tract infection