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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed October 19, 2026Editorial policy
Medical Devices15 min read

Caring for Your Suprapubic Catheter and Abdominal Stoma Site

Published: October 19, 2026Updated: October 19, 2026

A suprapubic catheter drains urine directly from your bladder through a small surgical opening in your lower abdominal wall. Proper daily care of the insertion site, tubing, and drainage bag is vital for preventing skin breakdown, blockages, and serious urinary tract infections. This guide outlines how to maintain hygiene, stabilize the device, and monitor for complications.

Quick Summary

Clean the abdominal stoma daily with mild soap and water, keep the drainage bag positioned below your bladder, and securely anchor the tubing to prevent accidental dislodgement.

Important Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for medical concerns.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Perform Hand Hygiene and Prepare Supplies

Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Gather clean gauze, mild unscented soap, warm water, a clean towel, and your prescribed securement device on a disinfected surface. Clean preparation significantly reduces the transfer of bacteria to your vulnerable stoma site.

2

Inspect and Clean the Abdominal Stoma

Carefully remove any old dressing and examine the skin around the catheter for redness, swelling, yellow-green discharge, or skin overgrowth. Clean the insertion site using a soft washcloth or gauze soaked in warm soapy water, wiping gently in circular motions starting at the catheter and moving outward. Rinse the area thoroughly with clear water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Important: Do not apply harsh antiseptics, alcohol, powders, or petroleum-based ointments around the stoma unless specifically instructed by your clinician, as they can degrade the catheter material and irritate the skin.

3

Manage Dressings Appropriately

If your catheter site is fully healed and dry, many healthcare providers recommend leaving it open to the air without a dressing. However, if there is minor leakage or if the tract is recently established, place a pre-slit drain sponge or sterile gauze around the tube. Change this dressing at least once daily or immediately whenever it becomes damp or soiled.

4

Secure the Catheter Tubing

Anchor the catheter tubing firmly to your lower abdomen or upper thigh using a specialized catheter stabilization device or medical tape. Ensure there is enough slack in the tubing so that moving, sitting, or rolling over does not pull against the bladder wall or stoma. Proper securement prevents friction that causes enlarged tract openings, pain, and accidental removal.

Important: If the catheter is accidentally pulled out, contact your healthcare provider or visit an emergency room immediately; the abdominal tract can begin closing within 1 to 2 hours.

5

Maintain and Position the Drainage Bag

Keep the urinary collection bag below the level of your bladder at all times to allow gravity drainage and prevent backflow of stagnant urine. Empty the bag when it is one-half to two-thirds full using the bottom drainage valve, taking care not to touch the spigot to the toilet or collection container. Clean the drainage port with an alcohol wipe after each emptying.

6

Promote Fluid Intake and Monitor Urine Flow

Drink between 1.5 and 2.5 liters of water daily, unless your clinician has placed you on a strict fluid restriction. Adequate hydration flushes bacteria and prevents mineral encrustations that can block the catheter eyelets. Regularly check the line to make sure there are no kinks or twists impeding urine output.

Important: Contact your doctor immediately if urine stops draining into the bag, if you experience fever, chills, or sudden lower abdominal pain, or if you notice thick, cloudy, or heavily blood-stained urine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a shower with a suprapubic catheter?
Yes, once your surgical tract is established and your doctor approves, showering is generally safe. Allow warm water to flow gently over the site, but avoid soaking in bathtubs, hot tubs, or swimming pools, as submerged water significantly increases infection risk.
Why is urine leaking around the insertion site on my abdomen?
Bypass leakage can occur due to bladder spasms, a blocked catheter, kinked drainage tubing, or improper retention balloon inflation. Check that the tubing is draining freely; if leakage persists, contact your healthcare provider to check for blockages or discuss bladder antispasmodic medications.
How often does a suprapubic catheter need to be changed?
The catheter is typically replaced every 4 to 12 weeks depending on the material (silicone versus latex) and your tendency to develop mineral encrustations. Routine replacements must be performed by a trained healthcare professional.
What is the tissue growing around my catheter opening?
This is often hypergranulation tissue, a benign overgrowth of blood vessels and connective tissue formed as the body responds to the presence of the catheter. While common and usually harmless, your clinician should evaluate it, as it may bleed easily and can be treated with topical medications if needed.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus (NIH)Source
  2. 2
    CDC Healthcare Infection Control GuidelinesSource
  3. 3
    National Health Service (NHS)Source

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed October 19, 2026. · Read our editorial policy