Why would anyone use a pigtail suprapubic catheter when it needs xrays every time it is changed? why not a foley suprapubic? how often are they changed?

After the tract is established, usually after 6 weeks, the pigtail suprapubic catheter can be inserted in the office without fluoroscope. The catheter is usually changed monthly in the office. Pigtail suprapubic catheter is kept inside the bladder by self-retaining locking mechanism, not by an inflated balloon. If you don't want the pigtail type, your doctor can change to a regular foley catheter.

Once a path to the bladder is established-6-12 weeks then the pig=tail catheter should not require an x-ray in trained hands