Indwelling catheter

Indwelling Catheter

An Indwelling Catheter is a type of catheter that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. It is also known as a Foley catheter, named after its inventor, Frederic Foley. This catheter is designed to remain in place for a prolonged period of time, hence the term 'indwelling'.

Types of Indwelling Catheters

There are two main types of indwelling catheters: urethral and suprapubic.

• Urethral Catheter: This type of catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. It is the most common type of indwelling catheter used.

• Suprapubic Catheter: This type of catheter is inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen, directly into the bladder. It is often used when the urethra is blocked or damaged.

Uses of Indwelling Catheters

Indwelling catheters are used in various medical situations, including:

• Urinary incontinence: When a person is unable to control their bladder, an indwelling catheter can be used to manage urine output.
• Urinary retention: If a person is unable to empty their bladder completely, an indwelling catheter can help to drain the bladder.
• Surgery: During certain surgical procedures, an indwelling catheter may be used to monitor urine output.
• Spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders: These conditions can affect bladder control, necessitating the use of an indwelling catheter.

Risks and Complications

While indwelling catheters can be a necessary medical tool, they also come with risks and potential complications. These include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): The presence of a catheter can increase the risk of UTIs.
• Bladder stones: These can form around the catheter over time.
• Bladder damage: This can occur if the catheter is inserted incorrectly.
• Blood in the urine: This can occur if the catheter irritates the bladder.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of an indwelling catheter is crucial to prevent complications. This includes regular cleaning of the catheter and the area around it, as well as monitoring for signs of infection or other complications.

See Also

• Intermittent catheter
• External catheter
• Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)