Suprapubic Catheter Changes
Expert management of abdominal catheters with full aseptic technique, ensuring safety, comfort, and proper drainage.
A suprapubic catheter is a urinary catheter that is aseptically inserted into the bladder through the abdomen, rather than the urethra. This procedure is usually performed for patients who require long-term bladder drainage or have difficulty with urethral catheterisation.
To prepare for your suprapubic catheter change, please:
Provide documentation of your last catheter change so we can confirm if you are due for a replacement.
Be aware that a catheter may need to be changed earlier than scheduled due to blockage or other clinical reasons.
Ensure you have your catheter and Instillagel available at home before your appointment. (Your GP may prescribe these for you.)
You may also purchase your own catheter pack or tray, or request ours at an additional cost — please refer to our brochure for pricing details.
We recommend keeping the catheter insertion site open (without a dressing) if it is not weeping, as this allows the area to dry faster and heal properly.
The nurse will carefully remove the existing catheter and insert a new one using aseptic technique to prevent infection.
The procedure is typically quick and performed with gentle care to ensure patient comfort.
The nurse will confirm proper catheter placement and drainage before completing the visit.
Pain or discomfort during or after insertion
Bleeding at the insertion site
Difficulty or failure to reinsert the catheter
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Important: We Do Not Provide Emergency Care
- significant bleeding
- difficulty or inability to pass urine
- symptoms of sepsis
- severe pain
- any other serious or rapidly worsening symptoms
Call 999
If it is a life-threatening emergency.
Call NHS 111
For urgent medical advice and guidance
Attend A&E
If advised by NHS 111