What is a suprapubic tube

A suprapubic tube, often called an SP tube, is a small device that is surgically placed through your child’s abdomen to give doctors direct access to their bladder. It allows urine to empty safely and efficiently through the tube into a collection bag. 

SP tubes are used for a variety of medical conditions when a child is unable to empty their bladder on their own, for care after surgeries, and for certain bladder studies.

How is a suprapubic tube placed?

SP tubes are placed surgically in the operating room or in our Interventional Radiology department using medication to help keep your child calm (under sedation).

Preparing for suprapubic tube surgery 

Here at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), you and your child will meet with one of our surgeons in the Division of Urology for an appointment prior to SP tube placement. At this appointment, we will explain the details of the procedure, and give you a chance to ask questions and have us address your concerns. The procedure will then be scheduled for a later date.

Follow up after suprapubic tube surgery 

The type of follow up care your child needs after SP tube surgery will depend on why the tube was placed. We will give you specific instructions before you leave the post-operative area.

When to call your doctor

Although SP tubes are generally easy to use without much maintenance, there are some potential problems your child may experience. If you have any concerns about your child’s SP tube, please call us immediately. We can discuss whether your child should be seen in our clinic or if they require immediate, emergency medical attention. 

Call your CHOP healthcare team if:

• Your child’s tube falls out. This is rare as the SP tube is typically stitched in place and has a curl on the inside of the bladder that keeps it in place.
• Your child has a fever greater than 101.5°F (38.6°C) by mouth or 102.5°F (39°C) rectally.
• There is less urine or no urine draining into the bag. If this happens, you may need to flush the SP tube using a saline syringe that will be provided to you at discharge. We will go over the proper way to flush the tube prior to discharge.