Calcification of urinary catheters is one of the complications that can arise while a urinary catheter is in place. The main cause of calcification is a prior catheter infection.
There are several types of urinary catheters, but in this case, we are referring to two in particular: ureteral catheters (or double J, due to the shape their ends adopt) and Foley catheters.
A double J catheter is a small-diameter tube, generally made of silicone, and it gets its name from the coiled shape of its ends. It is inserted between the kidney and the bladder to ensure the passage of urine in this area when the ureter is obstructed. Once this catheter is in place, it is not visible outside the body.
One of the main reasons why urine may not reach the bladder properly can be the presence of a kidney stone obstructing the ureter and preventing its normal flow. However, it can also be due to a tumor or a malformation that compresses the ureter from outside, causing narrowing and thus impeding the flow of urine.
A Foley catheter is a very thin tube inserted into the urethra until it reaches the bladder to facilitate the expulsion of urine from the body. They are typically used in various cases: when a person has urinary incontinence or, conversely, is unable to empty the bladder, or even their bladder contracts involuntarily (known as overactive bladder syndrome); all due to a lack of control.
But in both types of catheters, calcification usually occurs at the urine inlet or outlet orifices. And this happens due to bacteria entering the body when the catheters are inserted. The bladder provides optimal conditions for these bacteria to proliferate, and the catheter becomes an ideal place for them to adhere. Once established, they decompose and alkalinize the urine, producing calcium salts. If these salts precipitate, they turn into crystals, which can obstruct the inlet (in the kidney) or outlet (in the bladder) of the double J catheter; or the urine inlet of the Foley catheter into the bladder.
Since urinary catheter calcification is associated with an alkaline (or high) urinary pH, to help prevent infection and calcification, it is recommended to reduce (or acidify) theurine pHto below 6.2. This can be achieved either through a healthy and balanced diet and with supplements formulated with ingredients that help maintain urine in optimal conditions, preventing the accumulation of minerals and incrustation in catheters, probes, and other urological devices
