Suprapubic catheter

Suprapubic Catheter

A suprapubic catheter is a medical device used to drain urine from the bladder in individuals who are unable to urinate naturally. This type of catheter is inserted through a small incision or puncture above the pubic bone, directly into the bladder. Suprapubic catheters are often used as a long-term solution for urinary drainage, offering an alternative to the more commonly known urethral catheter, which is inserted through the urethra.

Indications

Suprapubic catheters are indicated for various medical conditions that impair the natural flow of urine. These conditions include:

• Neurogenic bladder, which is a dysfunction of the bladder due to diseases of the central nervous system or peripheral nerves involved in the control of urination.
• Urinary retention, which occurs when an individual is unable to empty their bladder completely.
• Obstructions in the urinary tract, such as those caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urethral strictures, or bladder stones.
• After certain surgeries on the prostate or genitourinary system to ensure proper urine drainage during recovery.
• In cases where long-term catheterization is needed, and urethral catheterization is not possible or preferred due to the risk of complications like urethral erosion.

Procedure

The insertion of a suprapubic catheter is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. The procedure involves:

1. Cleaning and preparing the lower abdomen area.
2. Making a small incision or puncture above the pubic bone.
3. Inserting the catheter into the bladder through this incision.
4. Securing the catheter in place and connecting it to a drainage bag.

Patients are usually given instructions on how to care for their catheter and the insertion site to prevent infections and other complications.

Advantages

Suprapubic catheters offer several advantages over urethral catheters, including:

• Reduced risk of urethral damage and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
• Greater comfort and ease of use, especially for long-term catheterization.
• The ability to maintain sexual function without the catheter interfering.

Complications

While suprapubic catheters are generally safe, they can be associated with certain complications, such as:

• Infection at the insertion site or within the urinary tract.
• Bladder stones due to the presence of a foreign body in the bladder.
• Accidental dislodgement or blockage of the catheter.
• Hematuria (blood in the urine) immediately following catheter insertion.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of a suprapubic catheter are crucial to prevent complications. This includes regular cleaning of the catheter and the skin around the insertion site, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring the catheter is functioning correctly. Healthcare providers will provide specific instructions based on the individual's needs and the type of catheter used.