Tish's Corner

Catheter Information

I really felt the need to speak up on the subject of supra pubic catheters. Catheters in general.

For the ladies that may be having surgery in the near future this is my post operative education and experience I had myself.

My Doctor really didn't explain much about the SP before surgery. I knew I really didn't want that thing sticking out of my tummy though!!

After surgery I had allot more information and understanding about the SP.

Catheters are our FRIEND!!!

Some Dr's. depending on the type of surgery you may have will use a "Foley" ( Foley is a brand name but is used most often to describe a "indwelling urethral catheter"). Many use a Supra Pubic catheter. "Foley" goes from the outside of our body through the urethra to the bladder, the Supra pubic catheter is placed after surgery is completed through the abdominal wall through to the bladder.

Our surgery may require the use of a catheter of some sort for a few days to a few weeks. The success of our surgery may to a large degree depend on allowing our bodies and mainly our bladders to have a resting period. It's not about getting our bladders to "wake up" or to work right away, ( the bladder does not like to be touched or "man handled" during surgery so often it will "protest" by not working properly for awhile)

The supra pubic catheter is not used without forethought as to the type of surgery you are having. It is in reality a separate step in your surgery and done with regards to your surgery type and your general health and well being.

Foley catheters are more common in women whom have not had bladder work done directly or allot of bladder movement during surgery. i.e. some vaginal procedures.

The SP allows your bladder to drain without any effort on your part. If your bladder is not allowed to drain you will end up with some major discomfort and possible injuries. Possible damage to your new repair surgery.

For many ( myself included) I hated my SP. Wanted it out before I left the hospital!! I had NEVER been cathed before and hated having a bag! My Dr. said no way! Here is his answer as to why.

Everything he just repaired including my bladder for cystocele and Burch procedure was jeopardized if I was unable to urinate proper amounts on my own. General length of time for this was about a week, not just for my bladder to work right, but TO GIVE MY BLADDER AND URETHRA A HEAD START ON HEALING, without being traumatized every time I tried to urinate!!! We needed my bladder quite so the surgery could have every chance to be successful. No straining, no over filling, no nothing!

By having the SP tube it allowed the urine out with NO BUILD UP of pressure in the bladder. I had continuous draining with OUT strain on the bladder or urethra. Most importantly I didn't have to go to ER to have my bladder drained at 3 in the morning because I couldn't pee and had 1000 cc's in my bladder. Which in turn just put all kinds of pressure on all the stitches and anything else the Dr. may have put in there ( mesh, sutures ) on the inside. Also can cause the kidneys to get back flushed and is tremendously pain full. Not to mention the possibility of bladder rupture and dangerous levels of toxins sitting around!! (Though that is extreme) Since I just went through major surgery getting in and out of bed was rough to say the least, having the SP or Foley allowed me to sleep without getting up any more then I wanted to!!! A BONUS believe me!

The other thing to consider when having a SP is that if you do talk your Dr. into taking it out, you can have a Foley catheter placed. But who would want to if you already went through the surgery and had a SP. It's not worth jeopardizing your surgery and having to have another invasive procedure done which is really uncomfortable and you won't be asleep for this one! 99% of the time they will have to put in another catheter such as a Foley, or if you can do it you will have to straight cath yourself. ( more trauma?)

If you have concerns about what type of cath. you may have after surgery ASK YOUR DOCTOR! I had no idea what it would be like I knew I didn't want one ( how embarrassing) I did have mine taken out a week later. Normal amount of time. Wasn't too bad hurt a little bit, but my Dr. was very fast and good at it so it went quick. I passed my bladder trial with flying colors! However just so you know my opening didn't close and so I leaked urine from the abdominal incision and had a Foley placed so the pressure was off the opening and it could close ( it did by the next day no big deal) One other advantage of the SP cath. is you can "practice" urinating by clamping off the SP tube when your Dr. says it’s okay to try. This way you don't jeopardize yourself by having the SP. removed then not being able empty your bladder. You can't do that with a Foley cath. because it blocks the urethra.

I hate to see someone’s surgery compromised because of a little tube that can help make or break our recovery and success of the surgery we just endured!! Not to mention the months/years of preparation we have done!

Hopefully this makes it a little less scary!
Tish