Urinary Catheter: What You Need to Know

Introduction

A urinary catheter is a flexible tube used to drain urine from the bladder when a person is unable to do so naturally. Catheters are commonly used in hospitals and long-term care settings for patients with urinary retention, post-surgical conditions, or severe mobility issues.

Types of Urinary Catheters

There are several types of urinary catheters used in medical practice:

1. Indwelling Catheter (Foley Catheter) – A tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra, held in place with an inflatable balloon.
2. Intermittent Catheter (In-and-Out Catheter) – A temporary catheter used to drain urine and then removed immediately.
3. Suprapubic Catheter – Surgically inserted into the bladder through the lower abdomen when long-term catheterization is needed.
4. Condom Catheter – A non-invasive option for men, placed externally over the penis to collect urine.

Indications for Use

Urinary catheters may be required in the following situations:

• Acute or Chronic Urinary Retention – Conditions like an enlarged prostate or neurological disorders.
• Post-Surgical Management – After pelvic or urological surgeries.
• Critical Care – Used in intensive care settings to monitor urine output.
• Severe Mobility Issues – Patients with paralysis or serious injuries.

Risks and Complications

Although urinary catheters are essential in many situations, they also come with risks, such as:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – The most common complication due to bacterial colonization.
• Bladder Spasms – Discomfort caused by the presence of the catheter.
• Blockage and Leakage – Improper catheter function may lead to urine leakage.
• Urethral Damage – Long-term use can cause irritation and injury.

Preventing Catheter-Associated Infections

To reduce the risk of infection:

• Always use proper hand hygiene before handling a catheter.
• Keep the drainage bag below bladder level to prevent backflow.
• Ensure regular cleaning and timely catheter changes as recommended by healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

A urinary catheter can be a lifesaving device when used correctly. However, proper care is crucial to prevent complications such as infections. If you or a loved one requires a catheter, be sure to ask your healthcare provider about the best type and proper maintenance techniques.

Source recommendations

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines on Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

1. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/cauti/index.html
2. https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/hai/data/archive/2020-HAI-progress-report.html
3. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/cauti/summary-of-recommendations.html
4. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/49910
5. https://www.cdc.gov/uti/hcp/clinical-safety/index.html

2. 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://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0302283824022632
4. https://d56bochluxqnz.cloudfront.net/documents/full-guideline/EAU-Guidelines-on-Urological-Infections-2022.pdf
5. https://www.medscape.co.uk/viewarticle/eau-guidelines-urological-infections-2023a1000eta