Patient management following suprapubic catheterization

This article considers the issue of suprapubic catheterization and the subsequent care of the client. The conditions and situations where suprapubic catheterization may be used are outlined. A review of the literature on this important subject suggests that there is little research/evidence-based practice to support some current-day practices. The review addresses such issues as what suprapubic catheterization is and how it is carried out. Key issues such as avoidance of infection, the need for dressings and care of the insertion site are discussed. In particular, the gynaecological field is explored to highlight concern about variations and discrepancies in approaches to care of the patient with a suprapubic catheter in situ. Finally, a call is made for practitioners to base their care on research findings or evidence-based practice rather than tradition, ritual or heresy.