Abstract
The empty bladder lies behind the pubic symphysis in the pelvis with folds of peritoneum pulled anteriorly between it and the anterior abdominal wall. As the bladder fills with urine it rises from the pelvis within the extra-peritoneal fat. When excessively distended it can reach to the level of the umbilicus. While filling, the bladder reflects the peritoneum away from its anterior surface so that, in theory, no peritoneum should lie between it and the anterior abdominal wall. Thus, a distended bladder can be relatively safely punctured superior to the pubic symphysis.
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© 2012 Springer-Verlag London Limited
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Hughes, B.E., Wiseman, O. (2012). Suprapubic Catheterization. In: Falter, F. (eds) Bedside Procedures in the ICU. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2259-3_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2259-3_13
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Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-2259-3
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