Compared with urethral catheterisation, suprapubic catheterisation is associated with a reduced incidence of urinary infection and urethral stricture and it facilitates a controlled trial of micturition. A prospective comparison of two types of suprapubic catheter was performed in 70 patients, using a specially designed catheter mounted on a trocar for insertion (Suprapubic Ingram Trocar), and a disposable trocar and cannula (Add-a-Cath) and standard Foley catheter. A suprapubic catheter was inserted successfully in 63 patients. Overall there was a low incidence of urinary tract infection (4.3%) and the only significant catheter-related problem was suprapubic leakage of urine, which was self-limiting in all but one patient. Although there is little objective difference between the systems tested, we prefer the Add-a-Cath system for its simplicity and economy. This trial provides further support for the more frequent use of suprapubic catheters in general surgical practice.