Urinary catheterization

Urinary catheterization

Urinary catheterization is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a tube into a patient's bladder. This tube, known as a urinary catheter, is used to drain urine from the bladder when the patient is unable to do so naturally.

Indications

Urinary catheterization is typically performed when a patient is unable to urinate on their own due to a medical condition or surgical procedure. Some common indications for urinary catheterization include:

• Urinary retention: This is a condition where the bladder is unable to empty completely. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including prostate enlargement, nerve damage, and certain medications.
• Urinary incontinence: This is a condition where a person is unable to control their bladder. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including nerve damage, pregnancy, and aging.
• Surgery: During certain surgical procedures, a urinary catheter may be inserted to monitor urine output and prevent bladder distention.
• Critical illness: In critically ill patients, a urinary catheter may be inserted to monitor urine output and fluid balance.

Procedure

The procedure for urinary catheterization varies depending on the type of catheter used. The most common types of urinary catheters are indwelling catheters, intermittent catheters, and external catheters.

• Indwelling catheters: Also known as a Foley catheter, this type of catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra and left in place for a prolonged period.
• Intermittent catheters: This type of catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra and removed after the bladder is emptied. It is typically used for patients who need to self-catheterize.
• External catheters: Also known as a condom catheter, this type of catheter is placed over the penis and collects urine into a drainage bag.

Risks and Complications

Like any medical procedure, urinary catheterization carries some risks and potential complications. These may include:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI): This is the most common complication of urinary catheterization. It can occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the catheter.
• Bladder damage: This can occur if the catheter is inserted incorrectly or if the bladder is overdistended.
• Urethral injury: This can occur if the catheter is inserted incorrectly or forcefully.

See Also

• Urinary system
• Urinary tract infection
• Bladder