suprapubic catheterisation

Last reviewed 01/2018

Suprapubic catheterisation is usually performed to drain the urinary bladder following failure to pass a urethral catheter.

Infiltrate local anaesthetic (1% lignocaine with 0.25% chlorhexidine) above the symphisis pubis. Insert the catheter through a small incision made with a trocar. Keep in the midline and make sure that the bladder can be felt. Aspirate urine with the needle used to infiltrate the anaesthetic. Secure the catheter with a stitch ensuring that sufficient of it is inside the bladder that it will remain when the bladder has emptied.