Suprapubic catheterization is an alternative to the Foley catheter. It can be used for both short- and long-term catheterization. However, in general, intermittent urethral catheterization is preferable to suprapubic catheterization. Insertion of the suprapubic catheter should be performed by a health professional with training and expertise in this procedure. Guidelines on insertion and care of this device have been published.

Suprapubic catheter

[Image from the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Center, accessed December 27, 2010 from http://www.spinalinjurycentre.org.uk/information/029.asp?UType=1&CType=1]

Note: The link above no longer works, but an internet archive version of the source file can be found here (PDF).