Indwelling Urinary Catheter: Types, Care and Risks
An indwelling urinary catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to continuously drain urine. It is used when normal bladder emptying is not possible due to illness or surgery.
Things worth knowing about "Indwelling Urinary Catheter"
An indwelling urinary catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to continuously drain urine. It is used when normal bladder emptying is not possible due to illness or surgery.
What Is an Indwelling Urinary Catheter?
An indwelling urinary catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted through the urethra or the abdominal wall into the urinary bladder, where it remains in place for an extended period. It allows continuous drainage of urine into a collection bag and is used when a patient is unable to empty the bladder independently.
Types of Indwelling Catheters
Transurethral Indwelling Catheter
The most commonly used type, inserted through the urethra into the bladder. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated with sterile fluid after insertion to hold it in place. This type is widely known as the Foley catheter.
Suprapubic Catheter
This type is inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen directly into the bladder, above the pubic bone. It is preferred for longer-term use or when transurethral access is not suitable, such as after certain surgeries or in cases of urethral injury.
Indications
Indwelling urinary catheters are used in a variety of medical situations, including:
- Urinary retention: Inability to empty the bladder, e.g., due to an enlarged prostate or neurological conditions
- Severe urinary incontinence: When other management strategies are insufficient
- Postoperative care: To monitor urine output following pelvic or abdominal surgery
- Critical illness or unconsciousness: When patients are unable to use the toilet independently
- Palliative care: To improve comfort and quality of life in seriously ill patients
Care and Hygiene
Proper daily care of the catheter is essential to prevent complications. Key measures include:
- Daily cleaning of the catheter entry site with water and mild soap
- Adequate fluid intake to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections
- Regular replacement of the urine collection bag under aseptic conditions
- Monitoring for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or cloudy and foul-smelling urine
Possible Complications
The most common complication associated with indwelling urinary catheters is catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Other potential complications include:
- Bladder spasms and discomfort
- Blockage or kinking of the catheter
- Injury to the urethra or bladder
- Bladder stone formation with long-term use
- Skin irritation around the suprapubic insertion site
When to Seek Medical Advice
Patients with an indwelling catheter should contact their healthcare provider if:
- Urine stops draining into the bag (possible blockage)
- Fever, pain, or a burning sensation develops
- Urine becomes cloudy, blood-stained, or foul-smelling
- The catheter becomes dislodged or falls out
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Report on the Burden of Endemic Health Care-Associated Infection Worldwide. Geneva, 2011.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Guidelines for Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections. Atlanta, 2009.
- Hooton T. M. et al.: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection in Adults. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2010.
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