Urinary Catheters
Urinary catheters may be used to drain the bladder. This is often a last resort because of the possible complications associated with continuous catheter usage. Complications of catheter use may include: urinary tract or kidney infections, blood infections (septicemia), urethral injury, skin breakdown, bladder stones, and blood in the urine (hematuria). After many years of catheter use, bladder cancer may also develop.The patient's health care provider may recommend use of a catheter for short term use or long term use (indwelling). The catheter may be left in place during this time, or the patient may be instructed on a procedure for placing a catheter just long enough to empty the bladder and then remove it (clean intermittent self-catheterization). .
Catheters come in a large variety of sizes, materials (latex, silicone, Teflon) and types (Foley catheter, straight catheter, coude tip catheter). It is recommended that patients use the smallest size of catheter, if possible. Some people may require larger catheters to control leakage of urine around the catheter or if the urine is thick and bloody or contains large amounts of sediment. Be aware that larger catheters are more likely to cause damage to the urethra. Some people have developed allergies or sensitivity to latex after long-term latex catheter use. These people should use the silicone or Teflon catheters. .
A catheter that is left in place for a period of time may be attached to a drainage bag to collect the urine. There are 2 types of drainage bags. One type is a leg bag, which is a smaller drainage device that attaches by elastic bands to the leg. A leg bag is usually worn during the day since it fits discreetly under pants or skirts, and is easily emptied into the toilet. The other type of drainage bag is a larger drainage device (down drain) that may be used during the night. This device is usually hung on the bed or placed on the floor.