A GUIDE FOR PATIENTS
Authors: T. McKnight (District Continence Advisor, South Downs Health) and
D. Rigby (Continence Advisor, St. Martins Hospital, Bath)
At home with your suprapubic catheter
Patient's name:
Address:
Nurse's name:
Contact number:
Emergency number:
Suprapubic catheter code:
Leg bag code:
Bed bag code:
What is a catheter?
A catheter is a hollow, flexible tube which drains urine (water) from your
bladder. To prevent the catheter falling out, a small balloon at the catheter
tip is inflated inside the bladder. As urine fills your bladder, it drains down
the catheter and is collected in a urine drainage bag. You do not need to pass
water while you have a catheter in place.
What is a suprapubic catheter?
It is a catheter which is inserted through a small incision (cut) made in
the abdominal wall just above the pubic bone. This is done by a doctor in
hospital during a short operation.
Why do I need a suprapubic catheter?
There are several reasons why a suprapubic catheter may be more convenient
for you. You may find it more comfortable, easier to care for and less prone to
infection. It is also less likely to come out than other catheters. Sometimes
people have a suprapubic catheter after their operation to help measure how
much urine they make.
If you are sexually active, a suprapubic catheter makes it easier to have
intercourse.
Will I have it changed?
Yes. The suprapubic catheter usually needs to be changed every 6-10 weeks
(some people need it changed more often). The first change is done in hospital,
but after that the nurse can do it, either at home or at your doctors surgery.
If you feel confident you may learn how to do your own change. Discuss this
with your nurse.
How do I care for the suprapubic catheter?
- If you keep infection at bay, your catheter should not cause any problems.
So remember these simple rules:
- Wash the skin in the area where the catheter enters your body with cooled
boiled water at least twice a day.
- Dry the area thoroughly. Never use talcum powder or creams.
- Wash your hands before and after connecting or changing a drainage bag, and
after every bowel motion.
- Try to have a bath or shower every day. (You can do this with your leg bag
attached.)
- It does not need to be covered with a dressing unless there is a discharge.
- Try not to let the catheter pull. Ensure that your clothing is loose, as
tight clothing can cut off the flow of urine.
What should I drink?
To ensure your catheter drains well you need to drink at least 2-3 pints (or
6-9 cups) of liquid every day, for example water and fruit juice, especially
cranberry juice.
Can I still have sex?
Yes. A suprapubic catheter should be easy to manage. It may help to tape the
catheter out of the way along your abdomen.
If your catheter causes any problems during sexual intercourse, do not
hesitate to discuss it with your nurse or family doctor.
What happens if there is a urine leak?
Urine may occasionally leak through the urethra, the passage through which
you normally pass urine. This is probably due to bladder spasm. Always check
that the catheter is not kinked or blocked (if it is, there will be no urine in
the bag). Try to adjust the tubing and make sure the bag is below the level of
your bladder.
If urine leaks through the abdominal wall, let your nurse know.
What kind of drainage bag do I need?
You need two kinds of bag: a leg bag and a bed bag. A leg bag is worn under
your normal clothing during the day. A bed bag (much larger) is attached to
your leg bag to hold all the urine that drains from your bladder overnight. The
catheter and drainage bag make what is called a closed drainage system. This
prevents bacteria getting into the system and helps reduce the risk of a
bladder infection.
You should only disconnect the drainage bag from your catheter when you are
changing the bag. Maintaining a secure closed system is the key to living
successfully with your catheter.
Some patients may be suited to the use of a catheter valve. Ask your nurse
for further information.
How do I wear a leg bag?
The leg bag is usually attached either to your thigh or to your calf with a
pair of straps. Alternatively, the bag may be worn inside a holster against
your leg, supported by a waist belt. How you wear it depends on what feels
comfortable.
Leg bags come in three different sizes, holding 350 ml (12 fl oz), 500 ml
(3/4 pint) or 750 ml (5/4 pint). There are also four different tube lengths,
direct (leading straight to the bag), 10 cm (4 inches), 30 cm (12 inches) and
38 cm (15 inches). Your nurse will help you choose the one that suits you best.
What happens when the bag fills up?
As the leg bag fills, it gradually gets heavier and you will feel a strain
on the straps. It is best not to let your bag get too full. To empty a leg bag,
open the tap at the bottom and let it drain into the toilet, if possible. If
you find this difficult, you can use a container, but you must keep it for this
purpose only. Do not forget to close the tap again after you have emptied the
bag, and always wash your hands.
What happens at night?
When you go to bed your leg bag should be connected to a bed bag. This is
larger and can hold more urine, so that you do not have to get up at night to
empty the bag. Loosen your leg straps when you get into bed. The bed bag must
not be allowed to lie on the floor. Support it on a special hanger or floor
stand.
Remember urine cannot drain uphill, so always keep the bag lower than your
bladder.
How often should I change the bag?
The Department of Health recommends that a leg bag should be changed once a
week. If it gets damaged, is difficult to empty or becomes uncomfortable to
wear you can change it sooner.
If your bed bag has a drainage tap, it can be re-used for up to a week. Wash
it through with water and allow it to dry. (You can use a small funnel to pour
water into the bag to help wash it through).
If your bed bag does not have a tap, you must use a new one each night.
How should I dispose of the bag?
Before throwing away your drainage bag, empty it and wash it out. Bags
should be wrapped in newspaper or a plastic bag and placed in the dustbin. Do
not burn the bags on an open fire.
When should I call for help?
- If the catheter falls out. This is an emergency as the catheter must be
replaced within 15 to 20 minutes.
- If you feel generally unwell with pain, fever and abdominal discomfort.
- If you have not drained any urine for 2 to 3 hours.
- If you have any bleeding. (Some bleeding around the site is normal when the
catheter is changed.)
Is there anything special I need to know?
Yes. Always keep a spare catheter in the house in case of emergency. This
will give both you and your nurse peace of mind.
Make sure that you store spare catheters and bags in their original
packaging in a dry, safe place away from direct heat or sunlight.
Your catheters and bags may be obtained on prescription from your family
doctor.
For further supplies of this leaflet and information on the wide range of
Bard* Biocath* Catheters, Uriplan* Leg Bags and Uriplan Bed Bags, please
contact us at:
Bard Limited
Forest House
Brighton Road
Crawley
West Sussex
RH11 9BP
 01293 527888
For further information and advice, contact:
The Bard InfoLine Nurse Advisor
0800 591783
12:30 to 4:30 PM Monday to Friday
The Continence Foundation
The Basement
2 Doughty Street
London
WC1N 2PH
0191-213 0050
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Friday
* Trademark P. No. 9604/011
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