Bladder catheters are used for draining the bladder or collecting urine samples. Bladder or urinary catheters (hollow tube) can be used by both women and men. They are available in a variety of sizes, materials (silicone, Teflon, latex) and types (Foley catheter, indwelling catheter, intermittent catheter and suprapubic catheters). Long-term use of some catheters may cause complications, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Urinary System
Foley Catheter
The Foley catheter is a small sterile tube inserted inside the bladder and used to drain urine, according to the National Library of Medicine. Sterile water is used to inflate the soft plastic or rubber tip, like a balloon, to hold the catheter in place. The Foley catheter can be left inside the bladder for as little as a few hours or for several weeks.
Indwelling Catheter
A long-term indwelling catheter can be left in place for an extended length of time and is attached to a drainage bag to collect the urine. Indwelling catheters have two types of drainage bags: a leg bag and a down drain (large drainage device). A leg bag is a small device that is attached to the leg with an elastic band. Usually, it is worn throughout the day and discreetly fits under your skirt or your pants, which makes it easy to empty into the toilet. The down drain bag is used throughout the night and can be placed on the floor or hung on the bed.
Intemittent Catheter
Catheters that are only needed occasionally are called short-term (intermittent) catheters. When using this type of catheter, you are taught to catheterize (insert the catheter) yourself and drain urine from the bladder when needed. An external device is not required for this type of catheter. Certain people may benefit from using an intermittent catheter, like women after gynecological surgery procedures, someone with a nervous system disorder, or men with enlarged prostates, as stated by the National Library of Medicine.
Suprapubic Cystostomy
A suprapubic cystostomy catheter is often preferred in people with injuries or conditions that limit hand movement, as stated by the Internet Journal of Family Practice. It is inserted above the pubic bone, through the abdomen and placed directly into the bladder. The National Library of Medicine states that a suprapubic catheter must be placed in the correct area by a urologist. This process is usually performed during an office procedure or outpatient surgical procedure.
Catheter Complications
When using a bladder catheter, it is possible for complications to occur. Urinary tract infections, kidney infections, bladder stones, constipation, injury to the urethral and blood in the urine are complications resulting from long-term use of a bladder catheter. According to the National Library of Medicine, bladder cancer can also develop after several years of using a bladder catheter.
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