Urological Catheters

Urinary catheters also called urological catheters or balloon or Foley catheters, are used to drain the bladder. They are generally attached to a drainage bag to collect the urine which can then be drained any time. The catheter has a rubber tube with a balloon tip. After insertion into the bladder via the urethra, the tip is filled using a syringe with sterilized liquid or air. This keeps catheter in place and allows continuous draining of the bladder, important during and after surgery.

 

There may be certain variations as per the specific requirements. Catheters come in different sizes (12 Fr., 14 Fr.,... 30 Fr.), a variety of materials like latex, silicone, Teflon. Usually a short term catheter is used during the surgery and post surgery but long term in dwelling ones are used where the use is persistent.

 

Care must be taken while using the catheters as excessive or improper care may cause Infections of the bladder, kidneys, or blood Blood in urine Damage to the skin around the catheter.