Urethral catheter

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Urethral catheter

  • Urethral catheters are probably the most common medical artifacts seen on abdominal X-rays.
  • This catheter has been placed into the bladder via the urethra.

Suprapubic catheter

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Suprapubic catheter

  • This patient has had a suprapubic cystostomy with placement of a suprapubic catheter. The catheter passes percutaneously above the pubic symphysis into the bladder.
  • Suprapubic cystostomy may be required in patients who have urinary obstruction either when the urethra cannot be catheterised, or when a long term indwelling catheter is required.
  • A long term catheter was required in this paralysed patient. Urinary stasis has led to development of bladder stones.

Page author: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust UK (Read bio)

Last reviewed: October 2019