Catheterization is the insertion of a tube into the bladder, which drains urine into a special bag. Catheterization is sometimes necessary in the treatment or diagnosis of a disease. Many people fear pain during catheterization. Unnecessarily, because nowadays such procedures are performed with anesthetics. How is the catheter inserted and replaced? How to take care of hygiene?

Catheterizationstands for the process of inserting a urinary catheter, i.e. a thin, flexible tube connected to a reservoir. The tube allows urine to drain out of the urinary tract. It is most often inserted through the urethra into the bladder. There are times when it has to be inserted deeper into the ureters to empty the kidneys. However, not always catheter deployment is as described above. There are situations when it is introduced through the skin directly into the kidney or into the bladder (above the pubic symphysis).

Catheterization may be performed for diagnostic reasons. They are used, among others to perform a fluid balance, i.e. to check diuresis, administer a contrast agent during cystography or saline during urodynamic examination.

For medicinal purposes it becomes necessary when it is not possible to pass urine naturally. Its accumulation in the bladder or kidneys leads to damage to these organs and increases the risk of urinary tract infection.

Contents:

  1. Catheterization: indications
  2. Catheterization: the course of the procedure
  3. Catheterization: how to cope later at home?

Catheterization: indications

Catheter insertion is necessary, first of all, in the case of urine stagnation, which may occur in the case of benign prostatic hyperplasia or with kidney stones. It is also used in perineal injuries, the consequence of which is damage to the urethra. Then, until it heals, the drain is inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the bladder.

Catheterization is also necessary after certain urogenital and digestive surgeries, in people kept in pharmacological coma, and sometimes in laboring women if they are unable to empty their bladder. In all these cases, the catheter is inserted for the shortest possible time, as its presence promotes urinary tract infections. But somethey need it permanently, they include people with neurogenic bladder, with neurological diseases.

Catheterization: the course of the procedure

For most people, catheterization enters the tube through the urethra into the bladder. This procedure, if carried out correctly, does not hurt. The catheter is covered with a gel with lubricating and anesthetic properties. This substance also has a bactericidal effect, which prevents urinary tract infections. The tube itself is sterile but may facilitate the migration of bacteria (e.g.Escherichia colifrom around the anus).

Catheterization is easier to perform in women because they have a short urethra. In men, the coil is long and naturally narrowed in three places, so in order not to damage it, this procedure must be performed with great sensitivity.

Removing the drain is also not painful, but the first urination can be rather unpleasant (it may be accompanied by burning, stinging). Incompetent, too aggressive surgery causes pain and may even damage the urethra. The cause of ailments, including inflammation, of this delicate part of the urinary tract is sometimes too large diameter of the drain.

Catheterization: how to cope later at home?

Most of us have seen patients in the hospital moving around with a urine bag on a rack. They usually leave the hospital without him. However, sometimes the healing process after surgery or trauma takes quite a long time, so they are discharged home together with the catheter. How are they supposed to live with it every day?

In principle, they can lead a normal lifestyle, i.e. perform not too strenuous physical activities, walk or even go to work (the urine bag can be attached with special Velcro straps to the inside of the thigh). However, they need to rest a lot and remember to follow a few rules.

First, they should carefully take care of hygiene. You must wash your hands thoroughly with soap before emptying the urine bag or replacing it with a new one. It is also important to take care of the hygiene of intimate places, washing the perineum and the outer part of the catheter at least once a day with soap and water to prevent the migration of microorganisms to the urinary tract.

For this reason, you should not disconnect the bag from the drain unnecessarily (e.g. when entering a shower), and remember to empty it regularly using a tap, because urine is a good breeding ground for microorganisms. People with a catheter should drink more, it is advisable to take urine disinfectants, drink drinks rich in vitamin C, e.g. blackcurrant juice, cranberry. The low pH of the urine reduces the multiplication of microbes.

Important

Exchangethe new drain

A patient who is forced by a situation to wear a catheter for some time after returning from the hospital, does not change it himself. This is done by a doctor or urology nurse. Besides, it does not always take place. It depends on how long it is necessary to wear the catheter and what it is made of. The latex catheter must be replaced after 10 days, silicone coated - after 3 weeks, made of pure silicone - only after 4-6 weeks. Sometimes the catheter needs to be replaced earlier; the reason may be a blockage of the drain, urine leakage or the appearance of symptoms of a urinary tract infection such as increased body temperature or lower abdominal pain.

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Category:

Urology and Nephrology