Which long-term complication is commonly associated with a suprapubic catheter?

Which long-term complication is commonly associated with a suprapubic catheter?

• A. Development of bladder calculi (stones)
• B. Interference with sexual activity
• C. Development of intrinsic sphincter deficiency
• D. Increases the risk of urethral cancer

Answer: (A)

Long-term use of a suprapubic catheter commonly leads to bladder stone formation. The catheter inside the bladder acts as a persistent foreign body, so minerals can crystallize around it and on the bladder lining. Chronic catheterization often comes with biofilm and infections, especially with urease-producing bacteria that raise urine pH, promoting stone-forming crystals like struvite. Urine around the catheter can become stasis-prone and mucus or debris can accumulate, all of which provide a nidus for stones to grow. Over time, these bladder stones can enlarge and cause symptoms such as pain, blood in the urine, or urinary blockage, necessitating medical attention and sometimes intervention with catheter changes or stone removal. Other possible issues, like interference with sexual activity or intrinsic sphincter deficiency, are not as directly tied to the long-term bladder changes caused by the catheter, and the risk of urethral cancer is not a common consequence of suprapubic catheter use since the urethra is bypassed.

Long-term use of a suprapubic catheter commonly leads to bladder stone formation. The catheter inside the bladder acts as a persistent foreign body, so minerals can crystallize around it and on the bladder lining. Chronic catheterization often comes with biofilm and infections, especially with urease-producing bacteria that raise urine pH, promoting stone-forming crystals like struvite. Urine around the catheter can become stasis-prone and mucus or debris can accumulate, all of which provide a nidus for stones to grow. Over time, these bladder stones can enlarge and cause symptoms such as pain, blood in the urine, or urinary blockage, necessitating medical attention and sometimes intervention with catheter changes or stone removal. Other possible issues, like interference with sexual activity or intrinsic sphincter deficiency, are not as directly tied to the long-term bladder changes caused by the catheter, and the risk of urethral cancer is not a common consequence of suprapubic catheter use since the urethra is bypassed.