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What Is a Suprapubic Catheter?
A suprapubic catheter, also known as an SPC, is a type of catheter that is used for supraprubic cystostomy procedures, also known as vesicostomy or epicystostomy. This procedure involves creating a surgical connection between the bladder and the skin, via which urine can be drained out of the body.
Like other kinds of catheters, suprapubic catheters consist of a long, hollow tube, most commonly made of silicone. The tube is divided into two lumens, or channels. One of the lumens is used for draining urine from the bladder, while the second is used to inflate a small balloon at the other end of the catheter to hold it in position, once it has been inserted.
Suprapubic catheters can be very important, especially for patients who have urinary problems and cannot empty their bladders naturally. These catheters may also be preferred instead of indwelling urinary catheters, due to their lower risks of contamination.
C.R. Bard #165820, Catheter Foley Bardex 20fr 5cc All Silicone 2-Way 16" LF Clr Ea, 12 EA/CA
Cook Medical #G16740, CATHETER CYSTOSTOMY SET 12FR 54CM, EACH
C.R. Bard #165820, Catheter Foley Bardex 20fr 5cc All Silicone 2-Way 16" LF Clr Ea, 12 EA/CA
C.R. Bard #165818, Catheter Foley Bardex 18 Fr, 5cc, All Silicone 2-Way 16", 12 EA/CA
C.R. Bard #143112, Tray Foley Supra Pubic 6/CS
Cook Medical #G15535, CATHETER, SET, STAMEY, 8FRX25CM, 081008, EACH
How Does a Suprapubic Catheter Work?
An incision will need to be made in the skin around the stomach area before the suprapubic catheter can be inserted. The area will be numbed beforehand with the aid of anesthetic and the doctor will then make an incision before pushing the catheter in and guiding it through to the bladder. Ultrasound imaging will usually be used to help guide the tube into the right area. Once in place, a balloon will be inflated to lock the catheter in position and prevent it from falling out. The catheter can then be left in position for up to a month.
When is a Suprapubic Catheter Needed?
People who have trouble emptying their bladder may need a catheter to assist them. A suprapubic catheter is a good option due to being comfortable and less likely to cause infections than indwelling catheters. Suprapubic catheters are often used for:
- Urethral damage
- Long-term catheterization option for people who are sexually active
- Used after gynecological procedures
How to Insert Suprapubic Catheters
The healthcare provider will put in and remove the catheter the first few times after you’re given one, so that you can get used to the process. The physician may allow the patient to do it at home. An x-ray is done at the area to check for abnormalities around the patient’s bladder.
How Often Should I Change my Suprapubic Catheter?
The first catheter will be inserted at the hospital and will stay in during that time. After the patient leaves the hospital, the catheter is usually changed between four to twelve weeks, depending on the situation of the patient. If the catheter comes out accidentally, it must be put back in place within a short period of time. Make sure to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you can to avoid further problems.
How to Take Care of Your Suprapubic Catheter
- Ensure your hands are properly sanitized before handling the catheter to avoid infections. The area around the genitals should also be wiped and cleaned. Using a sterile solution to clean the area is also a good option.
- A dressing to protect the site where the operation was done is a good idea to keep the wound safe until it’s healed. Do not put any creams or talc around the wound. Ensure the catheter is fixed to avoid pulling.
- Drink plenty of water to promote drainage.
- Avoid taking baths. The first few days it’s advisable to keep a waterproof dressing on.
Suprapubic Catheter Sizes
Suprapubic catheters tend to be a little wider and larger than standard urinary catheters, as they need to form a large enough passage for urine to flow easily out of the body, and they don't need to pass through the urethra. Average diameters for these catheters range from 18 Fr to 22 Fr.
Suprapubic Catheter Types
There is only one main type of suprapubic catheter. They can vary slightly in terms of length and diameter, but they all look more or less identical and have the same key components. This is because they need to meet a specific set of criteria in order to be used for a very specific purpose.
Suprapubic Catheter Uses
Suprapubic catheters are used for suprapubic cystostomy. This is a way to drain the bladder or urine without the patient having to pass the urine via their urethra. This may be needed when patients have urinary conditions or issues that make the passage of urine difficult, like kidney stones in the urethra, disruption of the urethra, defects of the urinary tract, or cancer.
Suprapubic Catheter Suppliers
Cook Medical and C. R. Bard are among the leading suppliers of suprapubic catheters.
Buy Suprapubic Catheters at CIA Medical
CIA Medical is a name you can rely on when it comes to wholesale medical equipment. We’ve been in the business of wholesale medical supplies for many years, working tirelessly to meet the needs of over 25,000 hospitals, pharmacies, and other customers across the globe. With fair prices, professional service, and quality products, we’ve got you covered.
