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Suprapubic catheter
A TYPE OF URETHRA CATHETER A
suprapubic catheter is a thin tube used to drain urine from the bladder
What is a suprapubic catheter?
A suprapubic catheter is a thin, flexible tube used to drain urine from your bladder. They're normally fitted for people who cannot empty their bladder properly due to a damaged or blocked urethra.
We'll insert the catheter during a surgical procedure and then show you how to drain and care for it.
Need to know
We'll insert your suprapubic catheter during a surgical procedure. Your HCA UK consultant surgeon will make a incision in your stomach, a few inches below your belly button.
After inserting the catheter, they'll fix it to the side of your body with a strap. They'll then either attach it to a urine collection bag on your leg or add a draining valve.
The procedure is normally carried out under local anaesthetic which will numb your stomach area, in some cases it may be carried out under general anaesthetic. After the procedure, we'll show you to care for, use and drain your catheter.
You'll be asked to attend a pre-procedure appointment with your HCA UK consultant surgeon. They'll explain the suprapubic catheter insertion to you and answer any questions you might have.
Depending on the anaesthetic you'll be receiving, you may be asked to limit your food or drink intake in the hours leading up to the procedure.
After your procedure, we'll show you how to care for, use and drain your catheter. A suprapubic catheter is normally changed within six to eight weeks, so we will call you back to one of our outpatient centres to do this.
Paying for medical treatment
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.