Item Number: 36800

Non-invasive placement of a silicone tube which is secured inside the bladder and attached to a drainage bag on the outside, in order to drain an obstructed bladder – Urine Retention

Why is it done?

  • This can be placed as an emergency for patients in acute urinary retention

Prostate obstruction
Urethral strictures
Blood clot obstruction caused by bleeding
Hematuria (bleeding)
Severe urinary tract infections

  • Commonly placed intra-operatively for long, non-urological surgical procedures to enable urine drainage and monitoring urine output.
  • Commonly placed at the end of a Urological procedure to enable urine drainage and to enable haemostasis (stopping bleeding)

 

How is it done?

  • This is done as a sterile procedure, therefore the genital area will be cleaned with a non-abrasive disinfectant.
  • A sterile catheter will be used
  • A local anaesthetic gel is placed in the urethra a few minutes prior to the placement of the catheter. This may initially sting for a few seconds until it numbs the mucosa.
  • An appropriate size catheter (14-18Fr) will be inserted
  • Urine should be aspirated with a syringe to confirm the correct position in the bladder.
  • An anchoring balloon will be inflated with 10cc of sterile water.
  • A drainage urine bag will be attached
  • The catheter will be secured to your leg. (check that this is always secured)

 

Complications

  • Urethra with resulting discomfort.
  • In the presence of urethral stricture, it may be impossible to pass the catheter, and a flexible cystoscopy with dilatation of the stricture may be required prior to placement.
  • If you had a large over-stretched bladder (urine retention) you may experience bleeding as the bladder empties, caused by the mucosal tears that have occurred.
  • Catheters that have been placed long term, may cause irritation and possibly attract infection. Permanent catheters are usually changed every 6-8 weeks.

 

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Copyright 2019 Dr Jo Schoeman