Urinary catheter

What is a urinary catheter?

A urinary catheter is used to drain urine from the body through a catheter that typically runs from the urethra to the bladder. They are usually used in the following cases¹:

• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary retention
• Surgery on the prostate or other intimate areas
• Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or dementia

What types of urinary catheters are there?

Depending on clinical indications and the duration of catheterization, the catheter can be ^2,4:

• Indwelling catheter: This is when the catheter is left in for at least 30 days. It is mainly used in cases of surgical intervention, and it has a bag and a valve that opens and closes to allow the passage of urine.
• Intermittent catheter: This is used in specific cases. It is removed as soon as the bladder has been emptied, and the frequency of use will depend on each patient.

What care does a urinary catheter need?^1,3

1. Clean the catheter daily where it exits the body with water and specific intimate soap such as Urogelus^®. This will prevent possible infections and skin irritations.
2. Drink plenty of fluids, at least 2 liters daily. This will increase urine volume and prevent the formation of residues that could block the catheter. It is also important to use supplements like Canoxidin^® as they reduce encrustations and blockages by more than 10 times.
3. Keep the bag below the bladder to prevent urine from flowing backward and to avoid infections.
4. Change the bag regularly and before it is completely full.
5. It is important to wash your hands whenever you handle the catheter and to keep the outlet valve clean and uncontaminated.
6. If there are times when you are not wearing a bag, empty your bladder every 2 hours by disconnecting the cap with maximum precautions to avoid contamination.
7. Secure the catheter to your thigh with adhesive tape. Avoid tension to prevent pulling and injury.

Why is urine leaking around my catheter?

1. Your catheter may be obstructed or twisted. Remember to take supplements formulated with ingredients that help keep urine in optimal conditions, preventing the accumulation of minerals and their incrustation.
2. You have bladder spasms.
3. You suffer from constipation.
4. You have a urinary tract infection. The use of supplements that acidify the urine can help reduce the number of infections.
5. Your catheter has too small a diameter or the balloon is an inappropriate size.

What possible complications can I have if I wear a urinary catheter?¹

• You may develop a latex allergy or sensitivity.
• Bladder stones may form. To prevent their appearance, it is important to measure urinary pH with Lit-Control^® pH Meter and maintain good urinary health with Lit-Control^® food supplements.
• Blood infections.
• If your catheter is permanent, it may cause kidney damage or bladder cancer.
• Urethral injury

When to see a medical professional?³

• Urine is thick, cloudy, or has a bad odor.
• You have a fever.
• The area around the catheter insertion site is inflamed.
• There is bleeding in or around the catheter.
• Little or no urine is collected despite fluid intake.
• If there is a large urine leak around the area.

Sources:

*1 https://medlineplus.gov/

*2 https://www.saludsavia.com/contenidos-salud/articulos-especializados/sonda-vesical-que-es-y-que-tipos-existen

*3 https://www.sergas.es/cas/documentaciontecnica/docs/consejossalud/sonda.htm

*4 https://www.institutohes.com/sondaje-vesical/