Straight Catheter: What You Need to Know

Introduction

A straight catheter, also known as an intermittent catheter, is a medical device used to empty the bladder when a person cannot do so naturally. Unlike indwelling catheters (such as Foley catheters), a straight catheter is used temporarily and removed after urine drainage.

When Is a Straight Catheter Used?

Straight catheters are commonly used in the following situations: - Urinary retention: When the bladder is unable to empty fully. - Neurogenic bladder: Due to spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological conditions. - Post-surgical drainage: After certain surgeries affecting the urinary system. - Urine sample collection: When sterile urine samples are needed to diagnose infections.

How to Use a Straight Catheter

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Prepare the Equipment: Use a sterile catheter and lubrication for easier insertion.
3. Positioning: Patients should lie down or sit in a comfortable position.
4. Insertion: The catheter is gently inserted into the urethra to drain urine.
5. Removal: After urine is drained, remove the catheter carefully.
6. Dispose: Dispose of the catheter properly and wash hands again.

Possible Complications

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Due to bacteria entry during catheterization.
• Urethral Injury: If inserted improperly or with excessive force.
• Bleeding or Irritation: Especially in patients with sensitive tissues.

Prevention Tips

• Always use sterile techniques to reduce infection risk.
• Drink enough water to maintain urinary health.
• Use the smallest possible catheter size to minimize trauma.

Conclusion

Using a straight catheter safely and correctly is essential to prevent complications. If you experience pain, burning, or unusual symptoms after catheterization, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

References

Refer to clinical guidelines for further details on best practices and infection prevention.

Source recommendations

1. European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on Urological Infections

1. https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urological-infections
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38714379/
3. https://uroweb.org/guidelines
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0302283824022632
5. https://d56bochluxqnz.cloudfront.net/documents/full-guideline/EAU-Guidelines-on-Urological-Infections-2022.pdf

2. American Urological Association (AUA) Guidelines on Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs)

1. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/quality-and-measurement/quality-improvement/clinical-consensus-statement-and-quality-improvement-issue-brief-(ccs-and-qiib)/indwelling-urinary-catheter-management-of-the-acute-patient
2. https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urological-infections/chapter/the-guideline
3. https://www.auanet.org/documents/education/clinical-guidance/catheter-associated-urinary-tract-infections-wp.pdf
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436013/
5. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/adult-neurogenic-lower-urinary-tract-dysfunction