Urethral catheter: indications for administration

A catheter is called a special medical tube designed to empty the body or insert instruments through it during the operation. Actions for the introduction are called "catheterization". The catheter itself looks like a thin hollow tube.

So the urethral catheter helps to reach the bladder cavity without breaking its walls, for emptying of urine. This procedure is used both for diagnostic and medical purposes. Manipulation helps to remove the accumulated fluid from the bladder and, if necessary, to inject medications into its empty cavity.

Purpose of procedure

Urethral catheters are used by doctors in the following cases:

1. Urinary retention - a chronic or acute phase, which is caused by tumor blockage, narrowing of the canal, innervation of the urethra, associated with back injuries.
2. In inflammatory processes of the urinary canal for the purpose of washing it.
3. If necessary, the diagnosis of urinary fluid.

Types of catheter devices

Medical types of catheters are classified by the number of outlets, by their diameter and shape, angle of incidence and the principle of fixation.

Devices for the removal of urinary fluid can be made from:

• Elastic materials: silicone, rubber (soft catheters);
• Rigid - plastic alloys or metal.

Also distinguish between urethral catheters for temporary and permanent use. Types of catheters for medical manipulation are determined by the urologist, and the nurse is also able to introduce the device.

In most cases, the retention of urine is eliminated with a soft catheter, which looks like an elastic tube with a diameter of up to 10 mm. One end of the tube is rounded and has a side opening, and the second - is made of an expanded funnel-like shape. This makes it easy to insert a syringe filled with medicines into it. When used, the device is sterilized in boiling water, then dried. Prepared catheters are stored in specialized boxes filled with carbolic solution or boric acid.

In other cases, urine retention is eliminated by rigid devices.

Procedure for the "weaker sex"

Manipulation of urinary excretion in female patients is not particularly difficult. A urological female catheter can be both soft and hard. It is introduced into the pre-treated antiseptic urethral canal. The first drops of urine indicate the onset of urination.

Procedure for the "stronger sex"

The physiological characteristics of men somewhat complicate the process of catheterization. After all, the length of the male urethra is almost 15 cm larger than the female urethra. Prevent the ease of holding and two narrowing in the genitals, so the urological male catheter is more elongated.

The doctor stops the choice on the material of the device, guided by the patient's condition. So men who have prostate adenoma are prescribed a rigid version of the catheter. It is introduced only by a doctor, since this manipulation is complex and requires special skill and caution. An incorrectly inserted metallic urethral catheter can cause a number of complications in the patient.

Possible complications after the procedure

Any medical manipulation with the use of special devices can cause certain complications, not exclusion and catheterization. The reasons for complications include:

• Not observance of aseptic norms;
• Application of unjustified force forces when introducing the device.

Complications resulting from violations of the rules for the introduction of the device are expressed in the manifestation of infectious cystitis, urethritis and pyelonephritis. With the extremely inept introduction of the catheter, there may be manifestations of a violation of the integrity of the urinary canal and rupture of the bladder. The use of soft device models, several times reduce the occurrence of complications.

IMPORTANT! The urethral catheter is not used in the presence of diseases of the urinary system.

Catheter removal procedure

If the device is delivered after surgery, it can be removed only after the doctor's recommendation. So the type of the central and peripheral venous catheter is removed only by the doctor, independent actions will lead to side complications.

Having received the advice of the attending physician, the device of confident action of the patient is able to be removed independently and replaced with new ones, it is important only strictly to comply with the rules of antiseptic and control your health. Used disposable catheters are disposed of, reusable sterilized and stored until next use.

After the procedural period

As a rule, after prolonged use of the device, the inflammatory processes of the urinary canal occur. So the body reacts to the presence of a foreign body in it. Doctors advise after the procedure to hold warm baths with a solution of potassium permanganate. Well removed inflammation infusions of chamomile, sage and St. John's wort. Places of irritation can be lubricated with baby cream. With the preventive purpose in this period it is recommended to wear spacious linen made from natural fibers. It is necessary to temporarily abandon artificial substances, since wearing such products will only exacerbate the situation and lead to even more inflammation.

If there is a high temperature, you should immediately consult a doctor, this fact certainly indicates the development of infectious inflammation in the urinary tract.

Do not be superfluous and the procedure for a warm shower, but from the bath should be discarded.

Carefully follow the color of urine, at first it can have a pinkish hue, but it's normal. If the color turns red, you should notify the doctor.

Often there may be irritation around the place where the urethral catheter stood. Wear cotton underwear, as it allows air to penetrate to the damaged area, and it will heal faster.

Contraindications for the installation of the urethral catheter

The procedure for catheterization is contraindicated in people who suffer:

• Infectious urethritis;
• Spasms of the urinary sphincter;
• Manifestations of anuria.

And did you know that ...

1. The urological male catheter has a length of about 30 cm, and a female catheter is about 15 cm.
2. The most popular and most used in urology is the Foley catheter.
3. The longest devices are used to access the central veins.
4. Any catheter requires reliable fixation. Usually, a patch is used for this.
5. The most safe and less traumatic, in our time, is the Malecot system and Petzer.
6. There are also arrangements for the heart. These are soft, flexible inflatable balloons with catheters on top. Their name is the Swan-Ganz catheter. They are used to examine the pulmonary heart artery.