What is Suprapubic Cystostomy?

Suprapubic cystostomy is a procedure to help drain the bladder (organ that collects and holds urine). A tube called a catheter, which leads out of the lower abdomen, is inserted to drain the bladder.

Female Bladder and Urethra © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

This procedure is done if you cannot urinate and a catheter cannot be passed through your urethra to help you urinate. The urethra is where urine passes out of the body from the bladder. Urine may not be able pass through the urethra due to:

• Severe urethral stricture—narrowing of the urethra

• Other blockage due to:

• Kidney stones
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Injury
• Prostate disease (in men)

The procedure may also be done if you need to:

• Avoid damaging the urethra
• Have surgery on the urethra or nearby structures
• Have a catheter in your body long-term

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. Your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Damage to the bowel or other surrounding structures

• Need for repeat procedure

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Blood clot formation

• Bad reaction to the anesthesia

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Bleeding disorders or taking medicines that reduce blood clotting

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Previous abdominal surgery

• Bladder cancer

Discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Pain or cramps

• Redness or soreness around the...