When you hear about a 'catheter', you probably think of a tube that is inserted into the urethra, right? Most people know and have seen that type of catheter. But did you know that there is another way to remove urine from the bladder? That is, a small incision is made in the lower abdomen and a tube is inserted directly into the bladder through it. That is what we call a "suprapubic catheter". You may not have heard much about this. So let's talk about everything in simple terms today.
What exactly is a suprapubic catheter?
Simply put, this is a flexible tube made of rubber or plastic that is used to drain urine from your bladder when you are unable to urinate on your own. However, instead of being inserted through the urethra like a regular catheter, it is inserted through a small incision made in the skin of your lower abdomen.
This method is very safe in most cases. And the risk of complications is low. Especially for those who need to use a catheter for a long time , it is much easier and less painful than a regular catheter. Also, it is the best solution for those who have difficulty inserting a regular catheter due to some disorder or injury in the urinary tract.
Why would someone need a catheter like this?
The main reason is that the bladder cannot be completely emptied due to some medical condition or disorder. If urine is retained in the bladder, it can cause severe pain, infection, and even kidney damage. A person with the following conditions may need a catheter like this:
| Condition or cause | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Urinary Incontinence | Involuntary leakage of urine, such as when coughing or laughing. |
| Pelvic Organ Prolapse | Prolapse of organs such as the uterus and bladder in women. |
| Prostate Problems | Prostate cancer or enlargement of the prostate gland (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). |
| Spinal Cord Injury | Loss of urinary control due to spinal injury from an accident. |
| Diseases of the nervous system | Diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease. |
| Urethral stricture | The tube through which urine passes is narrowed for some reason. |
| Surgery | After prostate and genital surgeries. |
How does the process of inserting this catheter happen?
This is usually done by a doctor in a hospital or clinic.
1. Preparation: First, the doctor will take an X-ray or ultrasound scan to see exactly where your bladder is and whether there are any other organs around it, such as the intestines. This is done to safely insert the catheter.
2. Cleaning and anesthesia: Next, the abdominal area where the incision will be made is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic. Then, a local anesthetic is injected into the area to numb it. So you won't feel much pain. In some cases, depending on the patient's condition, general anesthesia may be used.
3. Inserting the catheter: After the area is numb, the doctor makes a small incision in the skin and carefully inserts the catheter into the bladder. As soon as it is inserted, urine begins to flow through the tube and collect in a collection bag attached to it.
4. Placement: A small stitch is placed to keep the catheter in place without it coming out. Also, there is a small balloon at the end of the catheter that is inside the bladder. When you fill it with some clean water and inflate it, the catheter gets stuck inside the bladder and prevents it from coming out.
The entire process takes less than 20 minutes. If you need to use it for a long time, your doctor or nurse will show you or a family member how to change it and keep it clean.
How do you care for the catheter and the area around it at home?
This is the most important thing. Keeping the area around the catheter clean can go a long way in preventing infection.
Caring for the catheter insertion site
- First, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap before touching the catheter.
- Remove the bandage from the catheter site daily and check for signs of infection.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Skin redness or discoloration
- Pus discharge
- If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately .
- At least once a day, gently clean the skin around the catheter using soap and water. Then pat it dry with a clean towel.
How to change a catheter bag
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
2. Empty the urine in the old urine bag into the toilet.
3. Hold the catheter tube slightly with your fingers and remove the old urine bag.
4. Clean the end of the catheter tube (Drainage Port) with soapy water or an antiseptic wipe.
5. Clean the connecting end of the new urine bag in the same way and connect it to the catheter tube.
6. Check to see if the tube is twisted or stuck anywhere.
7. Wash your hands thoroughly again.
If you have been using the catheter for more than a week, or if the urine bag has a foul odor, it is a good idea to wash it. Wash it with soap and water, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
What are the benefits and side effects of this method?
As with any medical procedure, there are benefits as well as risks.
| Benefits | Risks and side effects (Risks/Complications) |
|---|---|
| By emptying the bladder regularly, serious conditions such as pain, infection, and kidney damage are prevented. | Catheter coming loose or tube getting stuck. |
| More comfortable than a regular catheter, especially in the long term. | Occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). |
| Since the urethra is free, there is no obstacle to sexual intercourse. | Feeling pain or tightness in the bladder area (bladder spasm). |
| It can prevent injuries and pain in the urinary tract. | Urine leakage from around the catheter. |
| It is easy to care for, even for those who use a wheelchair. | Bleeding or bladder stones. |
When to see a doctor immediately
If you have any of the following symptoms, do not delay and call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
- Having a fever of more than 38 Celsius (100.5 Fahrenheit).
- If there is excessive urine leakage around the catheter.
- If you feel severe pain or fullness in the lower abdomen.
- If you see blood or blood clots in the urine (hematuria).
- If the amount of urine collected in the bladder is very small or no urine is collected at all.
- If for any reason the catheter comes completely out.
Take-Home Message
- A suprapubic catheter is a tube that is inserted directly into the bladder from the lower abdomen and used to drain urine. This can be very convenient for long-term users.
- To prevent infections, it is essential to keep the catheter insertion site and your hands clean at all times.
- Be on the lookout for warning signs such as fever, severe pain, blood in the urine, or the catheter coming out. If this happens, seek medical advice immediately.
- It's normal for this procedure to feel a little uncomfortable and strange. But once you learn how to care for it properly, you can go about your normal activities.
- Never be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
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