Percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy

Suprapubic urinary diversion for the management of lesions of the bladder outlet or urethra has been facilitated by the advent of percutaneous access techniques. Prior to percutaneous endourologic techniques, an open surgical approach was necessary when the transurethral route was impassable. A variety of percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy techniques have evolved in recent years. These have been based on several different access principles and offer the urologist a number of options. Selection of an individual technique is usually a matter of preference and familiarity with a particular manufacturer's product. The list of indications for such an approach is diverse and continues to expand.