A Suprapubic Catheter is an instrument inserted through a surgical process in the bladder of a patient who finds it difficult to urinate on his or her own. It creates an external passage for the urine to pass. These are different from regular catheters based on how they are inserted. People whose urethra is not strong enough to hold a regular catheter specifically require Suprapubic Catheter Insertion.

Suprapubic catheter insertion is performed when a patient finds it difficult to pass urine through its usual passage. The underlying reasons can be:

• Injury to the urethra
• Urethral obstructions
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia: It is a condition prevalent among older men. The enlarged prostate gland slows down the urinary stream.
• Prostate cancer or bladder cancer
• Uterus Prolapse: It is a condition that women usually face, where their pelvic muscles become weak to the extent that they can no longer support the uterus. As a result, the uterus slips down from its usual position and blocks the passage of urine.
• Parkinson’s Disease: It is a disorder of the central nervous system that obstructs the body’s normal movements.
• Sexually active people who need a catheter for a long time
• Obesity

People who need Suprapubic Catheter Insertion usually show the following symptoms:

• Urinary incontinence, the difficulty passing urine
• The frequent urge to urinate
• Urine leakage during regular activities such as sneezing or coughing
• Blood in urine
• Pain while initiating a stream of urine
• Mild erectile dysfunction

If you experience symptoms, get in contact with your doctor. Your doctor will perform a cystoscopy to examine your bladder’s condition. A cystoscope is a device in the form of a tube with a lens fitted to it. It is inserted through the urethra and advanced to the bladder. Depending on your existing condition, the doctor will decide whether a regular or a suprapubic catheter is required.

The process of Suprapubic Catheter Insertion involves the following:

• The doctor will locate the bladder and mark the site of insertion somewhere below your navel.
• The patient is under general anaesthesia, and a small incision is made.
• The tip of the catheter is placed at the point of the incision and gradually inserted into the bladder through it.
• It is inflated to keep the catheter in position. It helps prevent urine leakage.
• Lastly, the incision is dressed.
• A drainage bag is given where the urine is collected, or a catheter valve is attached to the suprapubic catheter.
• The suprapubic catheter needs to be changed every 4 to 12 weeks.

Suprapubic Catheter Insertion has medically proven results. It is highly beneficial for sexually active people as it does not hamper their sexual life. Over a period, if your health improves and you need to switch from suprapubic to self-catheterization, contact your doctor. The doctor will close the hole created for the suprapubic catheter.

Suprapubic catheter gets the upper hand over regular catheters as it helps prevent frequent infections that occur on the delicate skin of the urethra. However, the nature of the material using which the suprapubic catheter is made can be an irritant for some patients. As the presence of a catheter somewhat restricts the body’s movements, patients must take special dietary care.

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to other health problems such as indigestion and constipation. The human intestine is located very close to the bladder. If normal bowel movements persist, they can exert pressure on the bladder and prevent urine from passing. It also increases the chances of urine leakage. To avoid such situations, the diet of a patient on a catheter must include fibrous foods and vegetables. Another risk associated with suprapubic catheter insertion can be the presence of blood in the urine.