Suprapubic Cystostomy Using Optical Urethrotome in Female Patients

In many female patients for lower urinary tract reconstructive procedures, a suprapubic cystostomy along with perurethral catheter is required for urinary diversion. We describe a new and simple method of intraoperative suprapubic catheter placement using optical urethrotome wherein distension of bladder is not required. A total of 26 patients underwent suprapubic catheter placement intraoperatively with the aid of Sachse' optical urethrotome and its outer sheath from January 2005 to May 2008. A 16F Foley catheter could be successfully placed suprapubically in all patients with this method. There were no complications like injury to intraabdominal viscera, retropubic hematoma, hematuria, or catheter dislodgement. We describe a new method of intraoperative suprapubic catheter placement in female patients that is minimally invasive, technically safe, simple, and effective, and does not require bladder distension.