A suprapubic catheter is a special device that is placed in your lower abdomen to drain waste out of your body when you cannot urinate from your normal urine stream.
Normally, an incision is made under your navel through your urethral opening, the long tube that you normally urinate from. An incision in your lower abdomen is made under your belly button and right above your pubic area.
In the past, there were two types of urethral catheters; they are the open and the closed suprapubic. Both types have been used for the past century. However, an incision through your belly button is often painful, time consuming, and uncomfortable. The open suprapubic catheters are more common in today’s society and are often used in a hospital setting to facilitate surgeries. The closed suprapubic catheters, on the other hand, are often used for more routine medical procedures.
Most suprapubic catheters are made with a flexible tubular tube with an inner end that can be sealed shut with a ring to prevent leakage and avoid infection.
These tubes can then be connected to your urethra to the appropriate urinary catheter and can have the catheter inserted anywhere within your body from the tip of your penis to the anal cavity. Depending on the type of catheter you choose, it could be anywhere from one to six inches in length. Some catheters are equipped with a small vacuum outlet so that waste from your body can be expelled, but most are designed with a single outlet.
When choosing suprapubic catheters for use in your body, make sure to choose one with the highest quality materials and construction. You should also choose one with a large, unobstructed opening, because the more space the catheter allows the catheter to move around the body, the more pressure will be exerted when urinating. In addition, if the catheter isn’t placed in the best place, then the catheter will need more pressure to help you expel waste away from your body.
Most suprapubic catheters have many different options available to you in terms of your needs. For example, a catheter that is specifically designed for patients who may suffer from an abdominal condition, such as biliary colic or diverticulitis could be an excellent choice. If your catheter is used for a urinary tract infection, then an extended catheter may be used, and in this case, additional features may include an extended tube and an improved filtration system.
Suprapubic catheters are commonly made from polypropylene and can have a larger diameter than a typical catheter, which is also very useful for some patients.
Since the catheter can be placed inside the body, there is no need for a bulky catheter bag and all of your waste can easily be emptied by means of a pump. It also doesn’t take up as much room and is much more convenient than a bagged catheter, which can be awkward to store and difficult to maintain.
Many people prefer the suprapubic catheters over the bagged catheters because they are easier to fit into clothing, especially for those who are diabetic. The catheter bags are messy and hard to clean and the bags can sometimes be punctured during the process. They are also prone to getting caught in clothing, such as a bed sheet, and may cause the catheter to leak.
If you are considering suprapubic catheters for your medical purposes, it is important that you carefully select one that will work for you. It is worth your time to research all the different types available so you can select one that fits into the way you live your life and the lifestyle you lead. Your doctor should be able to give you all of the information you need. and should also be able to answer any questions you may have.