From the Guidelines
Suprapubic catheter maintenance is crucial to prevent complications, and regular care should be taken to ensure the catheter site is cleaned daily and the dressing is changed every 1-2 days or when soiled, using sterile technique, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. The catheter should be emptied when the drainage bag is 1/2 to 2/3 full, typically every 4-8 hours. Key aspects of maintenance include:
- Cleaning the catheter site daily with mild soap and water, then drying thoroughly
- Changing the dressing around the catheter every 1-2 days or when soiled, using sterile technique
- Emptying the catheter when the drainage bag is 1/2 to 2/3 full, typically every 4-8 hours
- Changing the drainage bag every 5-7 days
- Changing the catheter itself every 4-12 weeks, depending on the material, with silicone catheters lasting longer than latex 1 It is essential to watch for signs of infection, including increased pain, redness, swelling, purulent discharge, fever, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and seek medical attention if these occur. Adequate fluid intake of 1.5-2 liters daily should be maintained to keep urine flowing freely. The catheter should be secured to prevent tension on the insertion site, and the drainage bag should remain below bladder level to prevent backflow of urine. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor for complications and ensure proper function, as emphasized in the guidelines 1. These measures help prevent common complications such as blockage, infection, and tissue damage at the insertion site. According to the guidelines, suprapubic tubes are the preferred chronic indwelling catheter option due to the reduced likelihood of urethral damage 1. Therefore, proper maintenance of a suprapubic catheter is vital to prevent complications and ensure the patient's quality of life, as supported by the recent guideline 1.
From the Research
Maintenance of Suprapubic Catheter
- The maintenance of a suprapubic catheter requires proper care and management to avoid possible complications 2, 3.
- A basic understanding of how these catheters are initially placed is essential for proper care 2.
- Patient education is crucial for successful suprapubic catheter management, especially in outpatient or home care settings 2, 3.
- The care and management of suprapubic catheters include changing the catheter, drainage systems, and patient education 3.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the maintenance of suprapubic catheters in relation to diagnosing symptomatic urinary tract infections in infants 4.