Where is the suprapubic area
What Is a Suprapubic Catheter?
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after paralysis the way you go to the
bathroom is different you may need to
use a catheter to urinate this video
will demonstrate the suprapubic catheter
your doctor may have recommended a
suprapubic catheter this is a catheter
that stays in your bladder for weeks at
a time it's also known as a type of
indwelling catheter a suprapubic
catheter requires minor surgery a small
incision is made in the lower abdomen a
catheter is then placed through this
incision your body will heal and form a
passage between the bladder and the
outside of the body this procedure does
not cause any permanent changes a
suprapubic catheter functions similarly
to one that enters through the urethra
the main differences are where it enters
the body and the size of the catheter
the suprapubic catheter is usually
larger just like a urethral catheter a
balloon holds it in place the catheter
drains into a collection bag
there are several benefits to choosing a
suprapubic catheter they are easier to
keep clean it is not necessary to get
undressed to clean or care for the super
pubic catheter a person with limited
hand function may be able to care for
their own bladder it does not get in the
way of sexual activity and it allows you
to drink plenty of fluids since your
bladder is always draining the process
of having the suprapubic catheter placed
is a quick and simple procedure
following the procedure you are allowed
to shower but swimming pools hot tubs or
bathtubs are off-limits for at least
three days be sure to check with your
doctor for more instructions a
suprapubic catheter should not be
removed or changed for at least four
weeks from the initial placement so that
the site has time to heal if there are
problems with draining during these
first four weeks
do not remove it but place a catheter
into the bladder through the urethra
make sure to use the correct size for
this part of the body your suprapubic
catheter should be cleaned with soap and
water everyday wear gloves when you
clean the site especially where the
catheter enters the body along with all
of the tubing
when you're done place a gauze dressing
around the catheter up against the skin
a new catheter should be replaced
through the super pubic site every 28
days you your family and caregivers will
need to be trained by a healthcare
provider on how to perform these changes
correctly your suprapubic catheter will
attach to a leg bag at home bags are
typically changed twice a month however
you may need to change your leg bag more
often ask your healthcare provider how
to clean and maintain your leg bags if
your ability to control your bladder
returns the super pubic catheter can be
removed and the site will close
ultimately it is your decision to choose
the bladder management option that works
best for you
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