What Is a Suprapubic Catheter?
A suprapubic catheter is a catheter that enters the urinary bladder through the lower front abdominal wall when the patient has difficulty passing urine naturally.
This procedure must be performed by a professional nurse or doctor.
Materials Required for Suprapubic Catheter Replacement
The following materials are required for the procedure:
- Sterile gloves
- New suprapubic catheter of the appropriate size
- Sterile water for inflating the balloon, 5–10 ml
- Syringe
- Antiseptic solution: chlorhexidine or Betadine
- Sterile dressings
- Urine collection bag
Preparation
- Hand hygiene
- Comfortable positioning of the patient on their back
- Disinfection of the suprapubic catheter site
Removal of the Old Catheter
- The balloon is deflated by removing 5–10 ml of water with a syringe.
- The catheter is gently removed from the opening.
- The area is cleaned again with antiseptic solution.
Placement of the New Catheter
After sterile cleaning of the site:
- The new catheter is carefully inserted through the opening into the urinary bladder.
- Once urine begins to drain, the balloon inside the bladder is inflated with 5–10 ml of sterile water.
- The catheter is secured and connected to the urine collection bag.
Final Stage
- Cleaning of the catheter site
- Application of a sterile dressing
- Monitoring of the patient’s condition
Important Warnings
Suprapubic catheter replacement must not be performed independently without professional assistance. Incorrect replacement may cause bladder injury, infection, or an emergency condition.
If the catheter accidentally falls out, the opening may remain temporarily patent for up to 24 hours. A nurse should be called urgently.
Pain, fever, discharge from the opening, or an unpleasant smell may be signs of infection. In such cases, contact a doctor.