Suprapubic Catheter

A suprapubic catheter is a hollow flexible tube used to drain urine from the bladder. Instead of being inserted into the urethra, the tube is inserted into the bladder through a small cut in the tummy.

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    • Suprapubic catheters are more comfortable and easier to look after than normal urethral catheters.  They don’t damage the urethra, have lower rates of infection and once established are more comfortable to exchange.  They also allow normal sexual function and permit bladder retraining.

    Suprapubic Catheter

    Using ultrasound guidance, we can minimise major complications such as bowel injury which is a small but serious risk during standard surgical insertion in theatre. Unfortunately not many centres routinely have ultrasound capability for suprapubic catheter insertion, a specialist skill honed by Interventional Radiologists

    Ultrasound guided insertion under local anaesthetic is the only option for patients who are considered too high risk for a general anaesthetic or where there are concerns about possible bowel injury because of previous abdominal surgery.  Patients who have a urethral stricture to be eligible for an ultrasound guided suprapubic catheter.

    It is well tolerated under local anaesthetic.  We do not use a cystoscope to look into the bladder during the procedure making it more comfortable for patients.  The lining of the bladder and the new track between skin and bladder are thoroughly anaesthetised at the start of the procedure.  Sedation is also available.

    Suprapubic Catheter Centre

    • Day case, low risk, procedure under local anaesthetic
    • Avoids the need for cystoscopy, general anaesthetic or hospital admission
    • Performed in our dedicated private urology building in Reading, Berkshire
    • Insured, self funding or NHS

    Next Steps

    Get fast access to leading specialists for the swift diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions in a private clinic environment.

    If you would like more information or wish to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist consultant urological surgeons then please either Call 0118 920 7040 or complete the form below.

    Insured patients

    Contact your GP and ask for a referral to the Urology Partnership.

    All consultations, investigations and treatments are covered by major insurance companies (depending on policy).

    Funding your own treatment

    Self-funding initial consultation fee is £205. Follow up fees are £165.

    Consultation charges are exclusive of any tests and other investigations that the consultant may wish to carry out.

    If you are making an appointment on behalf of someone else, please complete the form with their details but add your own name and contact details into the "further information" box.

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