A suprapubic (SP) tube drains urine through a small opening in the lower belly instead of through the penis. It's often used before or after urethral reconstruction.

Daily care

• Clean the skin around the tube once a day with mild soap and water and pat dry.
• A small split gauze dressing can catch drainage. Change it when it's wet.
• Keep the bag below your bladder and empty it when it's half full.
• Secure the tubing so it doesn't pull.
• Drink plenty of fluids so the urine stays light in color.

Tube changes

• The first change is done in the office. After that, the tube is changed regularly, often every 4 to 6 weeks.
• Some leakage from the penis can happen and isn't usually a problem.

If the tube falls out

The opening can start to close within hours. Cover it with clean gauze and call the office right away. After hours, go to the emergency room and tell them you have a suprapubic tube that came out.

Call right away

Call the office at (516) 535-1900, or go to the nearest emergency room after hours, if you have:

• The tube falls out
• No urine draining, with belly pain or fullness
• Fever or chills
• Spreading redness or pus around the tube

Your own instructions come first

Every patient is different. If the instructions you got at your visit or at discharge differ from this page, follow those, and call the office at (516) 535-1900 with any question.