Technical Notes and Tips: Use of a Peel-Away Trocar Sheath to Assist Suprapubic Catheter Replacement

Abstract

Suprapubic catheter replacement, particularly after recent insertion, can be difficult and may be complicated by bladder retraction and loss of the track. We present a simple technique to aid catheter replacement using the peel-away trocar sheath found in most suprapubic catheter sets (Fig. 1). The patient is given prophylactic antibiotics and prepared using sterile technique. The sheath is placed around the existing catheter after removal of the peel-away section (Fig. 2). The sheath is then advanced 2–3 cm into the bladder using lignocaine gel for lubrication. The existing catheter can then be exchanged safely, followed by removal of the sheath. Figure 1 Typical suprapubic catheter set. Figure 2 Peel-away trocar sheath.