A urinary catheter is a hollow, semi-flexible tube that gathers urine from the bladder and transports it to a drainage bag. Urinary catheters are available in a variety of sizes and styles. Rubber, plastic (PVC), or silicone can be used to make them.
Catheters are usually required when a person is unable to empty their bladder. Urine can build up in the bladder if it isn’t emptied, causing pressure in the kidneys. The pressure can cause renal failure, which is serious and can result in irreversible kidney damage.
There are several types of urinary catheters, including:
Indwelling Catheters. It is a catheter that is indwelling in the bladder. A Foley catheter is another name for it. This type is suitable for both short and long-term use.
External Catheters. A condom catheter is a catheter that is inserted into the body from the outside. It’s usually required for males who have major functional or mental difficulties, such as dementia, but don’t have urinary retention issues.
Short-Term Catheters. This catheter is used after surgery for a short period until the bladder empties.
When Is Urinary Catheter Used?
Typically, a urinary catheter is frequently utilized if patients have trouble urinating. It may be used to urinate more regularly, either during surgery or aid in the performance of some tests.
A urinary catheter could be used for a variety of purposes. It allows fluid to flow if it impedes the channel that transports pee from your bladder (urethra).
If you have urinary incontinence or nerve injury that hinders your capacity to pee, this device will enable you to pee. Also, if you receive oral anesthesia, you will need to empty your urinary tract during labor. Likewise, it is used to empty your urinary tract prior, through, or even after the operation. Besides, it is the last option when all the other treatments for urine accidents have failed.
Based on the kind of catheter and the reason for its usage, the catheterization may be withdrawn after several moments, minutes, or days, or it could be required indefinitely.
What Are the Causes of Urinary Incontinence?
There are a variety of reasons why a person has difficulty urinating. The first is when urine flow is obstructed by bladder or kidney stones, blood clots in the urine, or significant prostate gland enlargement. Prostate gland and genital area surgery may possibly be the cause. Other issues include fracture repair or hysterectomy, bladder nerve injury, and spinal cord injury. Medications can also affect your bladder muscles’ capacity to squeeze.
