From the Guidelines
Yes, you can flush a suprapubic catheter, but this should be done with caution and only when necessary, as routine flushing is not recommended due to the increased risk of infection. When flushing is required, it is essential to use proper technique to avoid complications. The evidence from central venous access guidelines, although not directly related to suprapubic catheters, emphasizes the importance of sterile conditions and proper technique to prevent infection 1. For a suprapubic catheter, gentle irrigation with sterile normal saline may be performed using a sterile syringe (typically 30-60 mL) if the catheter becomes blocked or is not draining properly. Before flushing, it is crucial to:
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Gather sterile supplies
- Disconnect the catheter from the drainage bag
- Attach the syringe filled with sterile saline to the catheter
- Gently instill the solution It is vital to never force the fluid if you meet resistance, as this could cause bladder trauma or perforation 1. After flushing, reconnect the catheter to the drainage system. Flushing helps remove mucus plugs or sediment that may be blocking the catheter. However, if catheter blockage is recurrent, your healthcare provider may recommend a different catheter type or size, increased fluid intake, or addressing underlying causes of sediment formation. Always contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent drainage problems, pain, fever, or cloudy, foul-smelling urine. Regular maintenance, such as flushing, should be guided by the healthcare provider's instructions, considering the individual patient's needs and the risk of infection 1.
From the Research
Flushing a Suprapubic Catheter
- The provided studies do not directly address the question of flushing a suprapubic catheter 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, study 6 discusses manual and continuous bladder irrigation, which may be related to flushing a suprapubic catheter.
- The study 6 outlines best practices for performing bladder irrigation to restore or maintain the patency of an indwelling urinary catheter.
- It is possible that similar principles may apply to flushing a suprapubic catheter, but this is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
- Studies 2, 3, 4, 5 focus on the insertion, care, and management of suprapubic catheters, as well as the risks and benefits associated with their use.
- These studies do not provide information on flushing a suprapubic catheter, but rather on the overall care and maintenance of these devices 2, 3, 4, 5.