A suprapubic catheter (SPC) is also an indwelling catheter, but instead of being inserted into the urethra, it is passed through the abdomen directly into the bladder. It is held in place by a water-filled balloon.
An SPC is surgically inserted by a urologist. Once the tract (the place where the catheter passes through the skin) is properly formed, the catheter may be changed by anyone who is trained to do so.
Complications that may occur
An SPC is an open path for bacteria to enter your bladder so make sure your hands are clean when touching the catheter or drainage bag.
It’s important to not disconnect the catheter bag from the catheter until it’s due to be changed. This connection helps to minimise organisms from entering the bladder via the catheter.
Remember to check your urine to look for signs of bleeding or other changes.
It’s also important for you to pay attention to the insertion site for signs of bleeding, localised infection, or skin breakdown.
Keep an eye out for these issues:
Preventing UTIs with a suprapubic catheter
Drink plenty of water.
Only disconnect the catheter bag when it’s due to be changed.
You should also keep the bag below the level of your bladder at all times to make sure that the urine doesn’t flow back up into your bladder. The back flow of urine can carry bacteria into your bladder which might cause an infection.
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