suprapubica

Suprapubic refers to a location or procedure related to the area above the pubic bone. In anatomy, the suprapubic region is the area on the anterior abdominal wall that lies superior to the pubic symphysis. This region is clinically significant and often palpated or accessed during medical examinations and procedures.

A common medical procedure associated with this area is a suprapubic cystostomy, also known as a suprapubic catheterization. This involves surgically creating an opening through the abdominal wall and the bladder to insert a catheter. This is typically performed when a patient is unable to urinate through the urethra, for example, due to blockage, injury, or after certain surgeries. The suprapubic catheter directly drains urine from the bladder, bypassing the urethra.

Another related term is suprapubic aspiration. This is a method of obtaining a sterile urine sample directly from the bladder by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall above the pubic bone. This technique is useful when a clean urine sample is required for diagnostic testing, especially in infants or when a standard clean-catch method is not feasible. The suprapubic region is a key anatomical landmark for these interventions.