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Suprapubic catheters

Suprapubic catheters are often used when the urethral route is not accessible, for example if the patient has suffered trauma or has a tumour that means urethral catheterisation is contraindicated (Kumar and Pati, 2005).

Task 1

1
Identify some other indications for suprapubic catheterisation.

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You should have chosen the following indications:

- To reduce the risk of urethral trauma and erosion in long-term catheterisation

- To improve quality of life, comfort or dignity

- To facilitate sexual activity

- For people with neurological disorders who are unable to self-catheterise

- To facilitate self-management of the catheter

- To facilitate surgical approaches during urological or gynaecological procedures or for urine drainage postoperatively

- Phimosis

- Urethral stricture

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Task 2

2
Can you identify potential contra-indications to suprapubic catheterisation?

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Potential contra-indications to suprapubic catheterisation are:

- The bladder is empty

- Bladder tumours

- Abdominal wounds, especially if associated with infection or significant scarring (adhesions)

- Coagulation and bleeding disorders, including those on anticoagulation or antiplatelet treatment

- The presence of a subcutaneous vascular graft in the suprapubic region (e.g. a femorofemoral crossover graft) (Harrison et al, 2010)

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