Articles · Bladder and leaks
What is a suprapubic catheter?
A suprapubic catheter is placed through a small opening in the lower belly directly into the bladder, rather than through the urethra. It can be more comfortable for long-term use and is changed regularly at scheduled visits. If you need a long-term catheter, you can schedule a visit at our Alpharetta / Roswell office to discuss options.
What is a suprapubic catheter?
A suprapubic catheter is placed through a small opening in the lower belly directly into the bladder, rather than through the urethra. It is one option for people who need a catheter for a longer period, and it is changed at scheduled visits. Our urologists at this office explain how placement and care compare with a urethral catheter before anyone recommends it.
Why might it be used, and how is it maintained?
A suprapubic catheter may be considered when a catheter is needed for a longer period and a urethral catheter has been uncomfortable or hard to manage. It is changed at scheduled visits, and our urologists explain that routine before placement. A catheter that stops draining, or a fever with a catheter in place, is an emergency-room concern.
When should I discuss a long-term catheter?
If you already use a catheter, or you have been told you may need one for a longer period, book a visit to compare options, including a suprapubic catheter. Bring the size and how long any current catheter has been in place, plus notes on comfort or infections. A catheter that stops draining, or a fever with a catheter in place, belongs in an emergency room.
Request a visit at Advanced Urology to go over your options.
Questions to bring to your visit
- Would a suprapubic catheter be more comfortable than a urethral one for me?
- How often would it be changed at scheduled visits?
What happens at your visit with us?
If you already use a urethral catheter, bring the size, how long it has been in place, and any problems with comfort or infections. Our urologists at the Alpharetta / Roswell office can discuss whether a suprapubic catheter, placed through a small opening in the lower belly, would be a better long-term option, and how scheduled changes work here.
When should I call us?
Call us if you need a long-term catheter and want to go over options, or if a catheter you already have is uncomfortable. A catheter that stops draining, or a fever with a catheter in place, belongs in an emergency room.
How do our urologists approach this?
A suprapubic catheter sits in the bladder through the lower belly rather than the urethra, which can be more comfortable for long-term use. Our urologists explain placement, scheduled changes and how this compares with other options in your situation.
Our urologists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners see adults from Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Crabapple and Mountain Park at our Alpharetta / Roswell office.
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Read more from Advanced Urology: Suprapubic catheter
For education, not medical advice. Every treatment has risks and benefits. Emergency? Call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Whenever you’re ready, our Alpharetta / Roswell team would be glad to hear from you.