Page 1 - Urethral Catheter Care
P. 1
Urological Health
Urethral catheter care
Proper catheter care will reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
rine is produced by the kidneys and carried into When catheter removal is appropriate, the balloon
Uthe bladder where it is stored until emptying is deflated with a syringe applied to a valve on the
is appropriate. Normally, the bladder empties by catheter.
coordinated contraction of the bladder muscle and
relaxation of the control muscles (urethral sphincters) An in-dwelling catheter drains urine continuously into
to expel urine through its outlet, the urethra. a drainage bag. When it fills, the bag can be emptied
directly into a toilet. During the day, most active men
When the bladder cannot empty on its own, it must and women will prefer to use a small collection bag
be drained to prevent urine build up, discomfort and strapped to the leg (leg bag) and worn discretely
possible kidney damage. Bladder drainage may be under the clothing. A larger capacity drainage bag
required due to obstruction of its outlet (often from can be connected at bedtime and hung at the
prostate enlargement in men) or inadequate bladder bedside or placed on the floor. You will be instructed
muscle contraction. After surgery or serious injury, how to connect and drain your bags.
continuous bladder drainage is often needed until
recovery is well underway. The size (diameter), material and type of your
catheter will be determined by your physician
A urethral catheter is a narrow, flexible tube passed according to your needs. Generally, a narrower
into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine. catheter will cause less irritation.
The catheter can be left in place for several days or
weeks until you are ready to void spontaneously. In In some cases, a patient can be taught to insert
some, bladder emptying by catheter may be required a catheter to drain the bladder after which the
for longer periods or permanently. Temporary catheter catheter is removed rather than leaving it in-dwelling.
drainage may be used to accurately measure urine This intermittent-self-catheterization decreases the
output or when urine leakage (incontinence) causes discomfort of carrying a catheter continuously and
skin problems. reduces the risk of infection. A suprapubic catheter
is an in-dwelling bladder drainage tube inserted
A small balloon inflated with water on the catheter directly into the bladder through a small incision in the
tip prevents it from slipping out of the bladder. lower abdomen. This allows bladder drainage while
avoiding the urethra.
Hygiene and catheter care
The catheter should be taped or strapped to the thigh
with a Velcro strap (available through most medical
supply stores) to prevent pulling and irritation of the
urethral opening. Avoid over-tightening the catheter
Roula Drossis and leg bag straps. The drainage bag should always
be kept below the level of the bladder to prevent
urine from backing up. Your catheter bag should be
emptied at least every 8 hours.
It is important to maintain good hygiene to prevent
infection. Wash your hands before and after emptying
or changing your drainage bag. When changing
bags, the connections should be wiped with an
Roula Drossis alcohol swab (available at any pharmacy). Roula Drossis
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