Suprapubic Catheter Care: Dressing Changes & Early Warning Signs
Caring for someone with a suprapubic catheter (SPC) is an important responsibility and it is completely normal for support workers and families to feel unsure at times. With gentle routines, good observation and the right support, SPC care can become a calm and manageable part of everyday life. This guide has been written to support you in providing care that protects health, comfort and dignity.
What Is a Suprapubic Catheter?
A suprapubic catheter is a tube that drains urine directly from the bladder through a small opening in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone. The urine flows through the catheter into a drainage bag outside the body.
Unlike a urethral catheter, which is inserted through the urethra, a suprapubic catheter avoids the genital area altogether. This can reduce discomfort and irritation, especially for people who need long-term catheterisation. Many people find SPCs easier to manage for hygiene and daily care and they are commonly recommended by Australian healthcare services when ongoing catheter support is required.
Why Proper Site & Bag Management Matters
Looking after both the catheter insertion site and the drainage bag is essential for preventing infection and maintaining comfort. The skin around the insertion site is vulnerable, particularly in the early stages after insertion and needs to be kept clean and dry to support healing.
Correct bag placement is also very important. The urine bag should always remain below the level of the bladder so urine can drain freely. Tubing should be checked regularly to make sure it is not kinked or pulling, as tension on the catheter can cause pain, skin damage, or accidental dislodgement. These small daily actions help protect skin integrity, reduce infection risk and support the person’s overall wellbeing.
Dressing Changes: How Often & How To
After a suprapubic catheter is first inserted, a dressing is usually required while the site heals. During this early phase, dressings help absorb moisture and protect the area from irritation. As healing progresses, many people no longer need a dressing once the skin is healthy, dry and intact. Some individuals may still require a dressing if there is ongoing leakage or fragile skin, so it is important to follow the advice of the nurse or doctor.
When a dressing change is required, begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gently remove the old dressing and dispose of it, then take a moment to carefully observe the site. Look for any redness, swelling, discharge, or signs of discomfort. Clean the skin around the catheter using mild soap and water or saline and then gently pat the area dry, taking care not to rub. If advised, apply a new sterile dressing and make sure the catheter is secured so it does not pull on the skin. Throughout the process, reassurance and clear communication can help the person feel safe and supported.
Once the site has healed, showering is usually safe. During a shower, the area can be gently cleaned with water and mild soap. It is important to dry the skin thoroughly afterwards. Bathing, swimming, or soaking in spas should be avoided unless a healthcare professional has confirmed it is safe to do so.
Daily Home Care Checklist
Daily care of a suprapubic catheter helps prevent complications and builds confidence for both carers and the person receiving support. The skin around the catheter should be cleaned once a day using mild soap and water. During this time, the site should be carefully checked for any redness, swelling, leakage, pus, or other changes.
The catheter tubing should be secured comfortably and positioned so it does not tug on the skin. The urine bag should remain below bladder level at all times and be emptied regularly to avoid overfilling. If catheter flushing has been prescribed for long-term use, it should only be done as instructed by a healthcare professional. Hand hygiene before and after any catheter care is essential to reduce the risk of infection.
Red-Flag Signs to Look Out For
Some changes require prompt medical attention. Sudden or ongoing leakage around the catheter site may indicate a problem that needs assessment. New or increasing pain, bladder spasms, or bleeding at the site or in the urine should not be ignored.
If the urine bag is not draining, appears blocked, or urine output suddenly decreases, this may indicate a blockage or kink. Signs of infection can include fever, chills, cloudy urine, or a strong or unusual odour. If the catheter becomes dislodged, falls out, or is accidentally pulled, urgent medical advice should be sought. If something feels wrong, it is always appropriate to ask for help.
When & How to Contact a Healthcare Professional
For non-urgent concerns, such as mild redness, questions about care, or reassurance, contacting a community nurse, continence nurse, or GP is usually appropriate. For urgent issues such as fever, severe pain, a blocked catheter, or a catheter that has come out, urgent medical care or a visit to the nearest emergency department is recommended.
For advice at any time, Healthdirect Australia offers 24-hour support by phone and can help guide next steps. Knowing who to contact in advance can ease stress during challenging moments.
Final Thoughts
Supporting someone with a suprapubic catheter is about more than completing care tasks. It is about noticing changes early, providing comfort and helping the person feel safe and respected in their own home. With gentle daily routines and prompt attention to warning signs, many complications can be prevented.
Sources
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Healthdirect Australia
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/urinary-catheters -
NSW Health – Suprapubic Catheter Care
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/practice/Pages/catheter-care.aspx -
Queensland Health – Living with a Urinary Catheter
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/healthsupport/businesses/continence -
Continence Foundation of Australia
https://www.continence.org.au -
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital – Suprapubic Catheter Care Information
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/142793/suprapubic-catheter.pdf