Request for a Second Opinion on Suprapubic Cystostomy Issues
I am seeking advice regarding my mother's condition following a radical hysterectomy performed three months ago. She still has a suprapubic catheter in place, as she's having difficulty reaching the target volume of urine for its removal. Recently, she began experiencing episodes of urinary incontinence. After we consulted her surgeon, he suggested that there might be a blockage in her bladder tube and recommended a follow-up for Monday. However, today, we discovered that the site of the drain on her abdomen is leaking urine and has a greater amount of pus than usual. The surgeon assured us that this was within normal limits, but I am quite anxious about this situation. I worry that this could indicate urine is flowing freely inappropriately within her abdomen, which seems concerning. My mother is 50 years old, 165 cm tall, and weighs 43 kg. She is not currently taking any medication, smokes regularly, but does not consume alcohol. I would greatly appreciate any insights or second opinions on this matter as I was unable to speak directly with her surgeon.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 8:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are understandably worried about your mother's condition, especially considering the complications she is experiencing after her surgery. Let's break down the key points and offer some guidance.
Main Points:
- Your mother has a suprapubic catheter that is leaking and showing signs of infection (pus).
- She is experiencing urinary incontinence and might have a blockage in the bladder tube.
- You are feeling anxious about the possibility of improper urine flow in her abdomen.
Explanation:
A suprapubic catheter is inserted through the abdomen to drain urine directly from the bladder. It's concerning that the catheter site is leaking urine and has increased pus, as this could indicate an infection or malfunction. While some drainage is expected, significant leakage and pus should typically be evaluated. Additionally, her urinary incontinence and the potential blockage could be related to how the bladder is functioning post-surgery.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep an eye on any changes in her symptoms, such as increased pain, fever, or worsening leakage.
- Hygiene and Care: Ensure that the catheter site is kept clean and dry. Use mild soap and water to clean the area, and avoid tight clothing that may irritate the site.
- Hydration: Encourage her to drink plenty of fluids (if not restricted) to help flush the urinary system, which may assist with any minor blockages.
- Document Changes: Keep a detailed record of her symptoms, including the amount of leakage, any changes in urinary patterns, and overall health. This information will be useful for her follow-up appointment.
- Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Since you found the surgeon's reassurance insufficient, consider asking for a prompt evaluation from another healthcare professional—perhaps a urologist—if the symptoms do not improve soon or worsen. This could provide you with additional insights.
While waiting for the follow-up on Monday, these steps can help manage her symptoms and reduce anxiety. Remember, it's important to trust your instincts about your mother's health; open communication with her healthcare team is key. Let me know if you need further information or support!
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