A catheter is a special medical tube designed to empty the body or introduce instruments through it during an operation. The insertion action is called "catheterization". The catheter itself looks like a thin hollow tube.
So the urethral catheter helps to reach the cavity of the bladder without breaking its walls, to empty the urine. This procedure is used for both diagnostic and medical purposes. Manipulation helps to remove the accumulated fluid from the bladder and, if necessary, introduce drugs into its empty cavity.
Procedure purpose
The urethral catheter is used by doctors in the following cases:
- Urine retention is a chronic or acute phase that is caused by tumor blockage, narrowing of the canal, innervation of the urethra associated with back injuries.
- In inflammatory processes of the urinary canal in order to wash it.
- If necessary, diagnosis of urinary fluid.
Varieties of catheter devices
Medical types of cathetersare classified according to the number of outlet channels, their diameter and shape, the angle of inclination and the principle of fixation.
Devices for the withdrawal of urinary fluid are made of:
- elastic materials: silicone, rubber (soft catheters);
- hard - plastic alloy or metal.
Also distinguish between urethral catheters for temporary and permanent use. The types of catheters for therapeutic manipulation are determined by the urologist, and the nurse is also able to insert the device.
In most cases, urinary retention is eliminated with a soft catheter that looks like an elastic tube with a diameter of up to 10 mm. One end of the tube is rounded and has a side hole, and the other end is made in an expanded funnel shape. This allows you to easily 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, urinary retention is treated with rigid devices.
Procedure for the "weaker sex"
Manipulating the excretion of urine in females is not particularly difficult. The female urological catheter can be both soft and hard. It is introduced into the urethral canal pre-treated with an antiseptic. The first drops of urine indicate the beginning of urination.
Procedure for the "stronger sex"
Physiologic althe peculiarity of men somewhat complicates the process of catheterization. After all, the length of the male urethra is almost 15 cm longer than the female. Two constrictions in the genital organ also prevent ease of passage, therefore the male urological catheter is more elongated.
The doctor decides on the material of the device, guided by the patient's condition. So men with 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 metal urethral catheter can cause a number of complications for the patient.
Possible complications after the procedure
Any medical manipulation using special devices can cause certain complications, and catheterization is no exception. Causes of complications include:
- not following aseptic standards;
- use of unreasonable force when inserting a device.
Complications resulting from violations of the rules for introducing the device are expressed in the manifestation of infectious cystitis, urethritis and pyelonephritis. With extremely inept introduction of the catheter, manifestations of a violation of the integrity of the urinary canal and rupture of the bladder are possible. The use of soft device models reduces the occurrence of complications several times.
IMPORTANT! The urethral catheter is not used in the presence of diseases of the urinary system.
Catheter withdrawal procedure
If the device was delivered after surgery, it can be removed only after the doctor's recommendation. Since the type of central and peripheral venous catheter is removed only by a doctor, independent actions will lead to side complications.
Having received the advice of the attending physician, the patient is able to remove the devices of confident action on their own and replace them with new ones, it is only important to strictly follow the rules of antiseptics and control their well-being. Used disposable catheters are disposed of, reusable sterilized and stored until next use.
Post treatment period
As a rule, after prolonged use of the device, inflammation of the urinary canal occurs. So the body reacts to the presence of a foreign body in it. Doctors advise after the procedure to carry out warm baths with a solution of potassium permanganate. Well relieve inflammation infusions of chamomile, sage and St. John's wort. Places of irritation are allowed to be lubricated with baby cream. With a preventive purpose during this period, it is recommended to wear spacious underwear made from natural fibers. Artificial materials should be temporarily abandoned, as wearing such products will only aggravate the situation and cause even more inflammation.
If you have a high temperature, you should immediately consult a doctor, for sure this fact indicates the development of infectious inflammation in the urinary area.
Warm shower procedures will not be superfluous, but the bath should be abandoned.
Keep a close eye onthe color of urine, at first it may have a pinkish tint, but this is normal. If the color turns red, the doctor should be notified.
It is not uncommon to experience irritation around the site where the urethral catheter was placed. Wear cotton underwear as it allows air to enter the damaged area and it will heal faster.
Contraindications for insertion of a urethral catheter
The catheterization procedure is contraindicated for people suffering from:
- infectious urethritis;
- urinary sphincter spasms;
- manifestations of anuria.
Did you know that…
- The male urological catheter has a length of about 30 cm, and the female one is about 15 cm.
- The most popular and most used in urology is the Foley catheter.
- The longest devices are used to access central veins.
- Any catheter requires secure fixation. Usually a band-aid is used for this.
- The safest and least traumatic, in our time, is the Malecot and Petzer system.
- There are devices 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 artery.
