Suprapubic Bladder Catheterization

Excerpt

Suprapubic catheterization involves placing a drainage tube into the urinary bladder just above the pubic symphysis. This is typically performed for individuals who cannot drain their bladder via the urethra. Suprapubic catheterization offers an alternative means to drain the urinary bladder when other methods are not clinically feasible, undesirable, or impossible. Suprapubic tubes are easier to change, can be almost any size, and are generally considered more comfortable for male patients with long-term catheter requirements. Alternatives to suprapubic catheterization include urethral catheterization, intermittent catheterization, urinary diversion, and percutaneous nephrostomy drainage. These specialized drainage catheters are typically placed either percutaneously or openly. Percutaneous access commonly employs visualization using cystoscopy.