Permanent suprapubic catheterisation in women: Frequently asked questions

What determines whether a suprapubic or urethral catheter is chosen?

When an indwelling or long-term catheter to drain the bladder is advised, the question of whether this is best placed in the urethra (water pipe) or suprapubically, (directly into the bladder through the skin over the bladder), arises.

A number of issues are considered in this question and are discussed below.

Some problems related to catheters probably occur equally often with urethral or suprapubic catheters. These include the risk of:

• infection (or persistent carriage of bacteria in the urine)
• catheter blockages
• bladder spasms causing leakage of urine, either around the catheter or via the urethra (water pipe), with suprapubic catheters.

In other words, neither sort of catheter has any advantage in respect of these problems.

What are the advantages of a suprapubic catheter?

The first and most obvious advantage of suprapubic catheters is that they are usually, but not always, significantly easier to change than urethral catheters.

This is because the pathway from the skin to the bladder is usually straight, readily accessible, and short.

Whereas urethral catheters usually need to be changed by a district nurse or a doctor, it is much more likely that a carer, or possibly the patient herself, can change a suprapubic catheter.

Are there any other advantages?

A further advantage of suprapubic catheters for women is that the area round the urethra and the adjacent genitalia is not continually irritated by the presence of a catheter. This reduces soreness and discomfort.

In women who are sexually active, the absence of a urethral catheter is an obvious advantage.

How are suprapubic catheters inserted?

Suprapubic catheters are probably best inserted under a brief general anaesthetic, and this usually requires an overnight stay in hospital.

What do I do if the catheter falls out?

If your catheter falls out, it must be re-inserted as soon as possible or the track into your bladder will close off rapidly.

You should contact your GP or district nurse immediately and, if they are unable to help you, come without delay to the Accident and Emergency department where the catheter can be replaced promptly.

If you have a supply of catheters yourself, it is reasonable to try and insert a new catheter; if you fail to do this, you should seek medical help without delay.

Other information

This patient information leaflet provides input from specialists, the British Association of Urological Surgeons, the Department of Health and evidence based sources as a supplement to any advice you may already have been given by your GP. Alternative treatments can be discussed in more detail with your urologist or specialist nurse.

Who can I contact for more help or information?

Oncology nurses

Uro-oncology nurse specialist
01223 586748

Bladder cancer nurse practitioner (haematuria, chemotherapy and BCG)
01223 274608

Prostate cancer nurse practitioner
01223 274608 or 01223 216897

Surgical care practitioner
01223 348590 or 01223 256157

Non-oncology nurses

Urology nurse practitioner (incontinence, urodynamics, catheter patients)
01223 274608

Urology nurse practitioner (stoma care)
01223 349800

Urology nurse practitioner (stone disease)
07860 781828

Patient advice and liaison service (PALS)

Telephone: 01223 216756
PatientLine: *801 (from patient bedside telephones only)
Email PALS

Mail: PALS, Box No 53
Addenbrooke's Hospital
Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ

Chaplaincy and multi faith community

Telephone: 01223 217769
Email the chaplaincy

Mail: The Chaplaincy, Box No 105
Addenbrooke's Hospital
Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ

MINICOM System ("type" system for the hard of hearing)

Telephone: 01223 217589

Access office (travel, parking and security information)

Telephone: 01223 596060