OT - Suprapubic vs. Urethral Catheters

Jerry In WA · Post by **Jerry In WA** » 2007-08-22 22:42:02

Hi folks. I've had an ileostomy since November 2000 following surgery for rectal cancer. The UOA and now UOAA boards have been a great help in the intervening years. I am presently dealing with a recurrance in which the tumor in the pelvis has put sufficient pressure on urereter and bladder and/or nerves associated with them that I have had an indwelling Foley urethral catheter since December 2006. I am considering changing to a suprapubic catheter in hopes of eliminating the discomfort associated with the tube being where it is now, and am wondering if any of you could suggest where I can find a similar discussion board where I might hear from others the pros and cons of the suprapubic option. It may be a bad assumption on my part that some or many of those on this board have had experience with catheters prior to what you have now, and forgive me if that is a bad assumption. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Jerry in WA

jpotts · Post by **jpotts** » 2007-08-23 20:01:33

Jerry,
I have an Indiana pouch due to removal of my bladder. I did have a super pub for a 3-4 week period after surgery and had no issues. I am sure I am not the person to give you counsel on this, but I would think the biggest deciding factor would be related to chance of infection? I have heard the indwelling foleys can cause a lot of problems, have you talked to your doc? Hopefully someone will stop by and give you better advise than me! Sorry I could not be more help!

Jerry In WA · Post by **Jerry In WA** » 2007-08-24 01:10:28

j - thanks for your comments. My urologist is pretty much fence-walking and not recommending one vs. the other saying it is up to me to decide what is better for me. I hate that but then can't really blame her for taking that position, can I? Mostly am concerned about leakage and resulting skin problems as I have read is a common problem with urine leakage from urostomy pouching systems. Thanks again for responding.

Jerry

superauntie · Post by **superauntie** » 2007-09-14 18:23:59

Here are two sites that have people using catheters that might be able to answer your questions better:
www.newmobility.com
www.carecure.org

Almost everyone on these sites uses catheters, so they can help out out a lot!
I know from my experience with bladder surgeries, a suprapubic catheter is much more comfortable than a urethral Foley catheter, especially if you have full or partial sensation in your waist down.

Jessie

Jerry In WA · Post by **Jerry In WA** » 2007-09-15 17:02:02

Jessie - those look promising - thanks very much for passing them along. I'm having the suprapubic done this Monday when they have me in the OR to replace a stent in the ureter. Deciding to go ahead in somewhat of a vacuum has been unsettling but it looks like I may find some answers on maintenance and other tips on these sites so I really appreciate it.

Jerry

Charles_in_Tx · Post by **Charles_in_Tx** » 2007-09-15 21:59:03

Check this site:
http://www.continentostomystore.com/Mer ... de=CONTOST

Jerry In WA · Post by **Jerry In WA** » 2007-09-16 01:04:21

Charles - thanks for the link. Definitely some interesting stuff on there. Whereas when I had my ileostomy (back in PA in 2000) an ET nurse got me set up with what I would be needing, the urology world, or at least the one I'm in at the moment, doesn't seem to be too inclined to provide such help. One of the nurses at the urologist has ordered some drain sponges for me and provided some extra tubing that's about it so far, so I really appreciate the feedback here.

Jerry