Indwelling Urethral Catheter

Equipment:

Use size 12Ch or 14Ch Catheters
Use Hydrogel coated latex catheters or 100% silicone catheters.
NB if you have a latex allergy use 100% silicone catheters
If you have frequent urinary tract infections (UTI) you may benefit from using a silver coated catheter (seek advice)
Secure tubing to leg to avoid ‘tugging’ of the catheter
Change the catheter every 6-8 weeks
Drink 2-3 litres of fluids per day
If able, use a catheter valve to maintain bladder tone and capacity. Seek advice if you would like to use a catheter valve
Overnight attach a night bag (2 litre capacity) to your leg bag
Bladder washout solutions or installations may be used to wash out your bladder if your catheter consistently blocks with encrustations
Solutions used vary from saline to acidic solutions. Frequency of use depends on frequency of catheter blocks
Warm the solution prior to use to reduce discomfort and spasm
NB Do not use acidic solutions more frequently than once a week as they can irritate the bladder lining

Urinary tract infections (UTI): drink 2-3 litres of fluid per day. Try to avoid taking antibiotics if possible. Seek medical advice if persistent
Catheter blocks: use bladder washouts as advised, seek medical advice if persistent
Urine leakage around the catheter: seek advice
Bladder, kidney stones: use bladder washouts as advised, seek medical advice
Meatal tear (in men): this is where the skin around the penis becomes ‘split’. Ensure catheter tubing is secured to a thigh/leg to minimise risk of ‘pulling’ on the catheter
Chronic bladder infections: seek medical advice
Bleeding: If you have bleeding around the site of the catheter (trauma), and/or pink/red coloured urine (haematuria) seek medical advice

If any of the above occurs, seek advice from: