What is a suprapubic catheter?
A suprapubic catheter is a bendable rubber tube that is inserted directly from your abdomen into your urinary bladder to drain urine. A suprapubic catheter may be used in conditions where there is a problem passing urine. These problems may include an infection, obstruction, or an injury caused by trauma or surgery in the bladder. A spinal cord injury, diabetes (high blood sugar level), and certain medicines may also cause urinary retention. Males who have an enlarged prostate, and females who have a cystocele may also have problems draining urine. Suprapubic catheters may be used for long-term management of these conditions. How do I clean the skin around my suprapubic catheter? The opening created for the suprapubic catheter is called a stoma. Clean the skin around your stoma every day unless your caregiver tells you differently. The following are directions for cleaning the skin around your stoma: • Gather all the items you will need: • Warm water and soap without lotions or perfume
