What You Need to Know About Foley Catheters
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Foley Catheters |
Different Types
There are different types available based on their intended use and function:
- Straight Tip Catheter: The most common type of catheter has a straight tube ending in a round tip that allows for easy insertion into the bladder. Straight tip catheters are often used short term for a few days.
- Coude Tip Catheter: Slightly curved at the tip to allow for easier access to the bladder especially in males. The curved tip helps guide it around the penis into the bladder opening.
- Indwelling Catheter: Designed to remain inside the body for extended periods to continuously drain urine from the bladder. Made of soft silicone or latex material that is less irritating to the urethra.
- Intermittent Catheter: Temporary Foley Catheters meant for periodic insertion and removal as needed. Ideal for patients who can self-catheterize with drainage at scheduled intervals.
How are They Inserted?
Prior to insertion, the practitioner will do a sterile prep of the urinary opening. The insertion process can be described as follows:
- Lubricate the tip of the catheter with a water-based lubricant for smooth insertion.
- For males, gently retract the foreskin if present and clean around the tip of the penis.
- Gently insert the tip into the urinary opening while gently sliding it forward into the bladder.
- Inflate the balloon once fully inserted to securely anchor it inside. Check the balloon for correct inflation.
- Connect the catheter to a leg bag or urinary drainage bag below the bladder level.
- Clean and secure the catheter where it exits the body to prevent unwanted pulling or movement.
Why are Foley Catheters Used?
Some common medical reasons for inserting a urinary catheter include:
- Monitoring urinary output: For patients in ICU or after surgery to closely track Foley Catheters intake and output.
- Inability to urinate: Post-operative paralysis, neurological issues, or severe illnesses preventing normal voiding.
- Bladder drainage: To decompress and drain the bladder after surgery, particularly those involving the prostate, urethra or bladder itself.
- Incontinence: For patients who cannot control their bladder due to age, illness, or mobility issues as an alternative to pads/diapers.
- Pain relief: To bypass an inflamed or blocked urethra allowing it to heal while still draining the bladder.
Potential Complications of Catheters
While essential medical devices, catheters can sometimes lead to complications if not used properly. Some risks include:
- Urinary tract infection: Most common as bacteria from the skin or device can enter the previously sterile urinary tract.
- Urethral trauma: Friction during insertion or from an ill-fitting balloon could damage the delicate tissues of the urethra causing pain, bleeding or scar tissue formation.
- Bladder spasms: Irritation during catheterization sometimes triggers painful bladder muscle contractions.
- Blockages: Kinks, clots or debris in the catheter tubing may obstruct urine outflow backlogging the bladder.
- Catheter misplacement: Rare but possible that the balloon inflates inside the urethra instead of bladder if not inserted all the way.
Proper Care is Important
To reduce risks, catheters require meticulous care including:
- Regular gentle cleaning of the urinary opening with warm water.
- Securing tubing to prevent accidental pulling or movement inside.
- Keeping the collection bag below bladder level and emptying it regularly.
- Daily inspection for wounds, leaks, kinks or blockages in the system.
- Removal as soon as no longer medically necessary to avoid complications.
Alternatives to Indwelling Catheters
When possible, alternatives to prolonged catheterization are preferable such as:
- External condom catheters for males allow normal voiding.
- Intermittent self-catheterization by the patient on a schedule.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy to improve bladder control in some cases.
- Absorbent products until normal function returns after an acute illness or event.
An important medical tool, Foley catheters should only be used when truly necessary and removed as soon as the need resolves. With proper aseptic technique and care, risks can be minimized. Always consult your doctor regarding any catheter-related issues.
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