Suprapubic tube (residential tube)
An indwelling tube is a flexible, thin tube that is placed through the lower abdomen into the bladder (suprapubic tube).
The suprapubic tube remains in the bladder for an extended period of time. It is connected to a urine bag so that the bladder is continuously empty . After all, every drop of urine produced by the kidneys flows out through the tube.
When discharged from the hospital, the patient is given a leg bag. This is a urine bag that can be worn on the leg, under clothing. The leg bag can be emptied via a tap at the bottom.
Refund
- The urine bags (leg and night bags) are supplied by a recognized bandagist or pharmacist-bandagist. They are reimbursed if the patient has a doctor's prescription . Payment is usually made via the third-party payment scheme.
- The placement of the suprapubic tube usually takes place during the urology consultation, under local anesthesia. An amount may be charged for the material (set) used to place the probe.
- The tube must be changed over time (often after six weeks).
- If this is done by a home nurse or GP, the patient must purchase the tube from the pharmacist and will not be reimbursed .
- Changing the tube by a home nurse is reimbursed . If the GP changes the tube, the patient pays for the consultation .
- If the patient has the tube changed in the hospital , he must consult a urologist for this. The tube is (partially) funded by the hospital and the patient pays for the consultation.
Extra information
An indwelling tube should not be confused with autotube (probing oneself for urine). This requires approval from the consulting physician. More information can be found on the Riziv website .
