A catheter is a device which is used following surgery or injury to aid in the draining of urine from the bladder. The catheter is a flexible tube which drains the urine from the bladder into a bag when a patient is unable to urinate by themselves. Doctors also use them to measure urine output and assess kidney function. They are normally inserted by a nurse or doctor and may be short or long-term, depending on what they are being used for.

When are they used?

Urinary catheters are primarily used when someone is unable to urinate naturally, but also when the bladder needs emptying before surgery or to help perform tests. Specific reasons for using them include to drain a woman’s bladder during childbirth or in the case of an epidural anaesthetic and if you have an obstruction in your urethra. They are also sometimes used to deliver medicine into the bladder during treatment for bladder cancer.

How are they inserted?

A thin tube is inserted into either the urethra or through the lower tummy. Catheters can be uncomfortable, so a medical professional may use an anaesthetic gel to numb the area. Staff responsible for this procedure may have attended clinical training courses, at providers such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/clinical-training-courses/.

Indwelling catheter

These catheters stay in place for several days or weeks and are used to monitor how much urine the body creates, either to help someone who has undergone surgery or to manage a condition. They are held in position with a balloon that is inflated in the bladder. Many people prefer these as they avoid repeated insertions. However, they can sometimes lead to infections.

Intermittent catheter

These are a temporary measure and are removed from the bladder as soon as it has been emptied. They may be self-inserted and are good for reducing the risk of infection.

Condom catheter

These are used for men who have urinary incontinence and are rubber sheaths which fit over the penis to direct urine into a bag which is then emptied at regular intervals.