Suprapubic Cystostomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Suprapubic cystostomy is surgery to create a stoma (opening) through your abdomen into your bladder. This opening is where a catheter is inserted to drain urine. You may need a cystostomy if your urine flow is blocked.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Before your surgery:
- Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
- An IV will be placed into a vein. You may be given liquid or medicine through the IV.
- Anesthesia is medicine to make you comfortable during the surgery. Healthcare providers will work with you to decide which anesthesia is best for you.
- General anesthesia will keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery.
- Spinal anesthesia numbs the area and dulls the pain. You may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery.
During your surgery:
Your surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen below your belly button. Another small incision will be made in your bladder. The catheter will be inserted into your abdomen and bladder. Once the catheter is in place, the balloon on the end of the catheter will be filled with sterile water. This balloon keeps the catheter in place inside the bladder. The other end of the catheter will be connected to a clean drainage bag or closed with a valve. The catheter may be secured in the stoma with stitches or surgical tape.
After your surgery:
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. You will be monitored closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will then be able to go home or be taken to your hospital room.
- A catheter is a tube put into your bladder to drain urine into a bag. Keep the bag below your waist. This will prevent urine from flowing back into your bladder and causing an infection or other problems. Also, keep the tube free of kinks so the urine will drain properly. Do not pull on the catheter. This can cause pain and bleeding and may cause the catheter to come out. Caregivers will remove the catheter as soon as possible to help prevent infection.
- You will be able to eat and drink gradually after surgery. You will begin with ice chips or clear liquids such as water, broth, juice, and clear soft drinks. If your stomach does not become upset, you may then eat soft foods, such as ice cream and applesauce. Once you can eat soft foods easily, you may slowly begin to eat solid foods.
- Medicines to treat pain and prevent infection may be given.
RISKS:
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your organs or blood vessels may be damaged during surgery. Your bladder may become irritated. Long-term use of a catheter can lead to kidney stones, blood in your urine, or bladder inflammation.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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