techroki.com – A urinary catheter is a small, thin tube made of rubber or plastic made of flexible. This tool is inserted into the urinary tract so that the user can urinate and urinate normally.
The use of a urinary catheter is recommended for people with disorders of the urinary system including bladder disease. What disorders are meant and how is the procedure for inserting a urinary catheter in the patient? Here’s the full review.
Who needs to wear a urinary catheter?
Urinary catheters have been used in various medical fields, from treating certain diseases to assisting with surgical procedures. This tool is usually needed when someone who is sick so can not urinate completely (anyang-anyangan).
If the bladder is not emptied, urine will accumulate in the kidneys and cause damage to the failure of kidney function itself. Therefore, a urinary catheter is urgently needed by people with the following conditions:
- Unable to urinate on their own.
- Unable to control urination (urinary incontinence) or the flow of urine.
- Have bladder health problems.
- Hospitalized for surgery.
- In a coma.
- Drugged for a long time.
A person also needs to use a urinary catheter if:
- Experiencing urinary retention, which is a condition when the bladder cannot empty completely.
- Are not allowed to move much, for example due to injury or after surgery.
- The frequency of urination, the amount of urine that comes out, and urine flow need to be monitored, for example in patients with kidney disease.
- Have a medical condition that requires a catheter, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and dementia.
The catheter insertion is usually only temporary until the patient is able to return to urinate on their own. However, elderly people or those with severe pain may need to wear a catheter for a long time, and sometimes permanently.
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Different types of urinary catheters and how they work
There are different types of urinary catheters. Although the function is the same, each type of catheter is used in different conditions and durations. The following types of urinary catheters based on the material.
- Plastic catheters for patients with non-chronic disease. This tool is used temporarily because it is more easily damaged and not as flexible as other materials.
- Latex catheters are used for use for a period of less than 3 weeks.
- Pure silicone catheter for use for 2-3 months because the material is more flexible and suitable for the urinary tract (urethra).Metal catheter with temporary use, usually to empty the bladder in women who have just given birth.
- Depending on the goals and needs of the person, catheter placement can be temporary or permanent. A urinary catheter that is permanently placed is also known as a permcath.
When viewed from its use, urinary catheters are divided into three main types, namely:
1. Indwelling catheter (urethral or suprapubic catheter)
An indwelling catheter is a catheter that is inserted into the bladder. Also known as a Foley catheter, this device is usually used to treat urinary incontinence or urinary retention. Catheter use is recommended for less than 30 days.
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This catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra or a small opening in the abdomen. The tip of the catheter is equipped with a small balloon that will be inflated in the urinary tract. This balloon serves to keep the position of the hose so as not to shift.
2. Condom catheter (external catheter)
A condom catheter is also known as an external catheter. This type of catheter insertion is intended for men who do not have problems with urine flow, but have not been able to urinate normally due to physical or mental disorders.
As the name suggests, this urinary catheter is placed outside the body and is shaped like a condom to cover the head of the patient’s penis. There is a small tube that serves to drain urine. Condom catheters need to be changed daily if they are not designed for long-term use.
Compared to indwelling catheters, condom catheters are more comfortable and have a lower risk of infection. However, the use of these catheters can increase the risk of skin irritation because they are often removed and reinserted.
3. Intermittent (short-term) catheter
The intermittent catheter is for patients who have not been able to urinate for a while due to surgery. Once the bladder and urinary tract return to normal functioning, the urinary catheter will be removed.
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This tool can be installed alone at home or with the help of a nurse. The tube is inserted through a small incision in the urethra or a small opening made under the abdomen. Make sure you consult a doctor to understand how to install it.
Urinary catheter insertion procedure
Urinary catheterization or catheterization is a procedure to insert a catheter tube through the urethra (urethra) into the bladder. This is where urine is temporarily stored before being excreted from the body.
Here are the steps.
- Catheter insertion is carried out by a nurse on duty on instructions from a doctor. The catheter must be inserted into the patient’s body in a completely sterile procedure to avoid the risk of bladder infection.
- The nurse will open and clean the catheterization equipment and the patient’s genitals first.
- The tube is then greased with a certain lubricant to make it easier to insert into the urinary tract.
- You may be given a local anesthetic first to reduce pain or discomfort while the catheter is in place.
- The nurse inserts the catheter tube into the urethra (urethra) little by little.
- The catheter tube will be inserted approximately 5 cm, until it reaches the neck of your bladder.
- After this, you can immediately urinate using a catheter tube. Urine will flow through the catheter tube, then into the urine bag.
- Don’t forget to empty the urine bag connected to your catheter every 6-8 hours.
Most catheters are required until the patient is able to urinate on their own again. Usually, this is for short use and less severe health conditions.
However, elderly parents and those with permanent injuries or severe disease may need to use a urinary catheter for a much longer amount of time and sometimes permanently.
Urinary catheter is an important tool for surgical patients and patients with urinary system disorders. This device helps expel and collect urine until the patient can urinate normally again.
Please be aware that the use of a catheter can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. So, make sure you keep it clean and consult a doctor if you have questions about the use of a urinary catheter.