Suprapubic Cystostomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
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.
HOW TO PREPARE:
The week before your surgery:
- Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and stay with you for 24 hours.
- Tell your surgeon about all the medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine before surgery, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of surgery.
- You may need blood or urine tests, or an ultrasound before your surgery. Talk to your healthcare provider about these or other tests you may need. Write down the date, time, and location for each test.
The night before your surgery:
You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
The day of your surgery:
- You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
- Take only the medicines your surgeon told you to take.
- An IV will be put into a vein. You may get medicine or liquids through the IV.
- You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given spinal anesthesia to numb the area and dull the pain. You may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN:
What will happen:
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.
CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:
- You cannot make it to your surgery.
- You have a fever.
- You get a cold or the flu.
- You have questions or concerns about your surgery.
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
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.