Kidney, Bladder and Genitals Home Care

Suprapubic Catheter Care

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What is a suprapubic catheter?

A suprapubic (SP) catheter is a tube that enters the urinary bladder through the wall of the abdomen. It may be needed for a variety of reasons. Often, it is used to constantly drain urine from the bladder after extensive or delicate surgery on the genitals or bladder. The suprapubic tube may be connected to a large drainage bag or to a smaller drainage bag that is attached to the leg.

SP Catheter Care

It is very important to take good care of the suprapubic tube and drainage system. They should be kept very clean. The bag should not be allowed to drag on the floor.

If the bag should accidentally be cut or begin to leak, it must be changed. An opening anywhere along the entire system of tubing and bag will allow bacteria to enter. If these would then reach your child's bladder, a urinary tract infection could result. It is not acceptable to place the drainage bag in a plastic bag if it leaks.

Cleaning the Catheter

Follow the steps below to clean the area where the catheter enters your child's body.

Wash your hands with soap and water.
Once a day, use a warm wet soapy wash cloth to clean the catheter and the skin around it. Take care that you do not pull excessively on the catheter.
If there is any crustiness on the catheter that does not come off with soap and water, you may use hydrogen peroxide on the catheter. Pour some hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball or gauze pad and wipe gently on the catheter.
Rinse the skin and catheter with plain water. Pat dry with a towel.
You may place a slit gauze dressing over the catheter site if you wish. It is not required, but some people feel more comfortable doing so.

Bathing

While your child has the SP catheter, he/she will need to take a sponge bath. Baths, showers and swimming are not allowed.

Emptying the Bag

The large drainage bag must be emptied at least every 8 hours even if it is not full. If the bag is small and fills quickly, it should be emptied when the bag is 2/3 full.

When emptying the bag, be careful not to touch the top of the spout to the container into which it is being drained. Also, do not touch the top of the spout with your hands.

Changing the Bag

If you will be changing drainage bags while at home, the nurse will show you how to do this.

Wash your hands with soap and water.
Disconnect the tubing from the catheter. Insert the new drainage bag tubing into the catheter.
If you are going to reuse the bag you just switched from, the connection site must be covered with a sterile cap or gauze. The bag must be kept in a clean place.

Tips

Keep the drainage system below the level of the bladder so the urine does not back up.
The leg bag will allow you to wear regular clothes and be free to play or work. Remember that because it is small, it will need to be emptied often.
Be sure there are no kinks or bends in the tubing. Urine will not drain if this happens.
If your child's drainage bag becomes dirty or foul-smelling, it needs to be changed. If a hole is punctured in the bag or tubing, it also needs to be changed. If you do not have the supplies to do this, call your child's healthcare provider.
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. The urine should be light yellow and clear.

Call your Child's Doctor

If the urine has a foul smell, changes color or becomes bloody
If there is urine leakage around the catheter or tubing
If your child has pain in the back, sides or belly, or experiences fever or vomiting