What is a Suprapubic Catheter?
A catheter is a hollow tube used to drain urine
from the bladder. It is held in place by a small
balloon inflated with water. A suprapubic
catheter is inserted into your bladder though a
small incision or cut made in the abdominal
wall just above the pubic bone. This is done
by a doctor under general or local anaesthetic.
Your catheter will need changing from time to
time. The length of time between changes will
vary according to your individual circumstances.
The first suprapubic catheter change is done by
the community nurse 5 weeks or more following
insertion unless the hospital as stated
otherwise.
Looking after your Catheter?
It is important to keep your catheter and site
entry clean. Mild unscented soap and water is
all that is needed.
When possible a bath or shower can be taken.
If bathing, the bag can be emptied and allowed
to float in the water; If showering, empty the
bag and leave it strapped to your leg.
Avoid the use of talcum powder or antiseptic
preparations, and never use oil or petroleum
products near the catheter as this may damage
it.
A good fluid intake will result in dilute urine,
and help prevent constipation, which may
cause problems with indwelling catheters.
Fruit juices and cranberry juice may also be of
benefit.
Drainage
There are a wide variety of drainage systems
available. Urine from the catheter is usually
collected in a drainage bag or in some cases a
valve may be attached.
Why do I need a Suprapubic Catheter?
There are several reasons why a suprapubic
catheter may be more convenient for you. You
may find it more comfortable, easier to care for
and less prone to infection. It is also less likely
to come out than other types of catheter.
If you are sexually active, a suprapubic
catheter makes it easier to have intercourse.
changed weekly and rinsed through with clean
water and the cap replaced when not in use the
bags are supplied on prescription.
If you are using a valve directly on to the
catheter, the bladder will fill and can be emptied
intermittently. It is important that you remember
to empty it regularly, usually every 2-4 hours.
Common Problems
If the catheter falls out you should call for help
from your doctor or nurse immediately as
the catheter must be replaced in 15-20
minutes. It is important to keep a spare
catheter in the house.
Bladder spasms or cramps in the bladder are
common when you have a new catheter. They
are nothing to worry about and usually pass off
within a few days. If they persist tell your nurse.
If no urine drains for several hours or the
catheter bypasses (leaks urine around the
stoma or urethra)
 Check if the tubing is bent or kinked. Check
if the drainage bag is below bladder level.
Have you been drinking enough?
Are you constipated?
Try moving or walking around.
Your nurse or doctor will discuss with you the
most appropriate drainage system for your
individual needs.



Always wash your hands before doing
anything with the catheter, valve or drainage
bag.
If the catheter continues to bypass, or if no urine
has been drained in 4 hours, call the district
nurse. You should tell your nurse or doctor if
you have signs of a urinary infection, such as a
temperature and cloudy smelly urine which
does not clear by drinking extra fluids.
Leg bags are held in place by straps around the
leg and are emptied as necessary. At night
larger bags may be attached to the outlet of the
leg bag, so that you do not need to get up in the
night to empty the bag. All urine drainage bags
should be kept below the level of the bladder to
promote drainage. The leg bags are changed
weekly, night bags are single use only or
If you see blood in your urine, do not worry, but
report it to the district nurse or doctor. If the
bleeding is heavy you should report it sooner.
If your catheter is causing you problems
sexually, please discuss the problem with your
nurse or doctor.
References
RCN (2013) Catheter Care, RCN guidance for
nurses.
Royal Marsden Hospital. Urinary Catheterisation 43.
Compliments, comments, concerns or
complaints
PALS may be the best starting point if you
have a question or concern about the NHS.
If you would like to find an NHS dentist,
know where your nearest doctor is or talk
through a problem you have had with a
service, you can contact the PALS service.
www.lighthouse/guidelines/corpnurse/marsden/rm_43.htm
Association for Continence Advice (2008b) Supra
pubic catheters. In Notes on Good practice. No. 9
ACA London
Robinson J (2006b) Selecting a urinary catheter and
drainage system. British Journal of Nursing.
15, 19, 1045-1050
K. Getliffe & M. Dolman (2007) Promoting
Continence 3rd edt Bailliere Tindall London
Useful Contacts and Support Groups:
Bladder and Bowel Foundation
SATRA Innovation Park, Rockingham Road,
Kettering, Northants, NN16 9JH
Tel: 01536 533 255.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org
If you would like more information,
please contact:
Continence Nursing Team
Shrublands Health Centre
Magdalen Way, Gorleston
Great Yarmouth NR31 7BP
Tel: 01493 809977
Fax: 01493 418222
To contact PALS: Call 01502 718666
Monday to Friday, 8am – 3.30pm
Email: [email protected]
Or write to:
PALS, ECCH
1 Common Lane North,
Beccles, Suffolk. NR34 9BN
Continence Nursing
Service
INDWELLING
SUPRAPUBIC CATHETER
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Information for Patients
Being treated with dignity and respect
is the right of every patient
Produced by NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney
Community Services 2011
Reference: GYWPCT/CS/130
Issue date: 01/10/2015