Going home with a urinary catheter after surgery can be a daunting experience for many. As you step into the postoperative days, navigating this new aspect of care is crucial for your recovery.
This guide aims to offer guidance and support for those adjusting to life with a catheter. Whether it's your first day post-surgery or you're further along in your journey, understanding how to manage your catheter is essential.
From detailed instructions provided by your health care provider to practical tips for everyday living, we'll explore what it means to confidently handle this common post-surgical tool.
What Is a Urinary Catheter?
A urinary catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is used in healthcare to drain urine from the bladder when a person cannot urinate naturally. This device is commonly used in various medical situations, including during and after some types of surgery, for individuals with certain medical conditions, or in patients who are immobile.
The catheter is inserted into the bladder either via the urethra (urethral catheter) or through a small opening in the lower abdomen (suprapubic catheter). The catheter allows urine to flow through it and drain into a toilet or a urine collection bag.If the bladder isn’t emptied properly, urine build-up can put extra pressure on the kidneys, resulting in serious health complications like kidney failure.
For many patients, a urine catheter is only necessary until they are able to go back to urinating naturally. In cases of serious illness or permanent injury, however, a catheter may be required for a longer period of time.
Reasons You Might Be Going Home with a Catheter After Surgery
Urinary catheters can be inserted for a variety of reasons, such as injuries to the urethra, enlarged prostate, nerve damage, urethral blockage, and bladder weakness.
A catheter is sometimes needed after surgery, often due to prostatectomy or surgery in the genital area.
Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure for men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. It involves the partial or complete removal of the prostatic gland. After surgery, men will need to use a urinary catheter for at least 5 days. If there are any complications, the catheter may be used on a longer-term basis.
If you have undergone surgery in the genital area, your healthcare provider will likely insert a urinary catheter to prevent urine incontinence. The length of treatment depends on the type of surgery, recovery time, and whether any complications exist.
Types of Catheters Used Post Surgery
Foley Catheters and Suprapubic Catheters are among the most commonly used types following surgery due to their specific features and benefits in managing urinary output during the postoperative period.
Foley Catheter
A Foley catheter, also known as an indwelling urinary catheter, is a flexible tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder for continuous urine drainage. Once in the bladder, a balloon is inflated to secure the catheter in place. The other end connects to a drainage bag, allowing urine to flow from the bladder into the bag. Typically inserted in a hospital or healthcare center, this catheter is designed for long-term bladder management.
Foley catheters are preferred post-surgery due to their ease of insertion through the urethra, making them a practical and minimally invasive option for short-term urinary management. Their design includes a small balloon at the end, which, when inflated in the bladder, ensures secure placement and prevents slippage, allowing for effective urine drainage. These catheters are ideal for continuous urine drainage, vital for patients with impacted bladder function or limited mobility post-surgery. Additionally, Foley catheters are instrumental in monitoring urine output, a critical factor in assessing patient recovery and kidney function in the postoperative period.
Suprapubic Catheter
A suprapubic catheter, a hollow and flexible tube, is inserted into the bladder through an incision in the abdomen, typically a few inches below the navel. This procedure is carried out by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. Often chosen in cases of urethral damage or when a urethral catheter is not feasible or preferred by the patient, suprapubic catheters provide an alternative method for urinary drainage.
Suprapubic catheters offer a beneficial alternative to urethral catheters, especially for patients who have undergone urological surgeries or for whom urethral catheterization is difficult or inappropriate. Inserted through a small abdominal incision directly into the bladder, they significantly reduce the risk of urethral injury, a concern associated with long-term urethral catheter use. Many patients find suprapubic catheters more comfortable and easier to manage, particularly for extended periods. Additionally, these catheters are associated with a lower risk of certain infections that can occur with urethral catheters, making them a suitable option for long-term urinary management post-surgery.
Both Foley and Suprapubic Catheters are designed to provide effective urinary drainage with minimal discomfort, making them highly suitable for patients in the postoperative phase. The choice between them depends on the specific medical situation, the nature of the surgery, patient anatomy, and individual preferences.
Other Common Types of Catheters
Straight Catheter
A straight catheter is an intermittent device that can be used before or after surgery, as well as during birth. Intermittent catheters are disposable and meant for short-term use only. They are inserted into the bladder via the urethra and – once the bladder is drained – the catheter is thrown away.
A straight catheter is characterized by a simple, straight design. The insertion tip of the device has small holes (eyelets) that allow urine to flow directly into a toilet or container.
Coude Catheter
A coude catheter is a device with a slightly curved or angled tip. These are primarily used by men who have difficulty inserting a straight-tip catheter. Coude-tip catheters may be needed due to an enlarged prostate, false passages, or urethral stricture.
Coude catheters are typically designed to be single-use intermittent catheters.
Condom Catheter
A condom catheter (also known as an external or Texas catheter) is a less-invasive urinary incontinence treatment for men. It is a thin, flexible sheath placed over the penis, similar to a condom.
Reasons to use a condom catheter include limited access to a toilet (due to conditions such as decreased mobility or impaired vision), unmanageable urinary urgency, and sphincter damage due to a prostatectomy.
How to Care for Your Catheter at Home
Effective catheter care at home is vital for your recovery and health after leaving the hospital. Your healthcare provider will supply you with essential items and detailed instructions for self-care, including catheter cleaning, urine bag maintenance, and identifying signs of complications like infections or blockages. They'll also advise on lifestyle modifications for comfort and prevention of issues. Adhering strictly to these guidelines and consulting your healthcare provider with any concerns is crucial for successful catheter management at home.
How Long Should A Catheter Be Left In After Surgery
The process and timing of catheter removal after surgery are influenced by a variety of factors, such as the nature of the surgery, the patient's health status, and their individual recovery trajectory. Catheters primarily serve to manage urinary function during the immediate postoperative period, especially when patients are not yet able to use the bathroom on their own. The decision for catheter removal is carefully made by healthcare professionals, ensuring it aligns with the patient's healing progress and overall well-being.
FAQs On Managing Life With A Catheter Post-Surgery
What dietary changes should I make after surgery to help with bladder sensitivity?
During the postoperative period, it's advisable to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder. These include alcoholic beverages, coffee, carbonated drinks, lemon juice, and spicy foods.
How should I clean my catheter?
Keep the catheter and surrounding skin clean to prevent infection. Look for signs of catheter-associated infection like redness, pus, swelling, or pain. For Foley or suprapubic catheters, don't attempt to remove or change them yourself. Contact your physician if you experience difficulties.
What are the cleaning steps for men with a catheter?
Men should wash their hands, retract the foreskin if uncircumcised, and clean around the urethral opening with soapy water. Wipe from the penis tip downward to prevent spreading germs and bacteria into the urethra and clean the catheter towards the leg bag, rinse off soap, and pat dry.
What are the cleaning steps for women with a catheter?
Women should wash their hands, open the labia to locate the urethral opening, and clean the urethra area with soapy water, wiping back towards the anus. Clean the catheter towards the leg bag, rinse off soap, and pat dry.
Do I need a different catheter at night?
You typically won't need to change the catheter type at night, but you should switch from a leg bag to a night drainage bag. The leg bag is smaller for daytime use and should be emptied every 3-4 hours. The night bag has a larger collection bag and is more fitting for overnight use.
How do I change from a leg bag to a night drainage bag?
Wash your hands, clean the night bag's tip with rubbing alcohol, pinch the catheter tube to prevent leakage, disconnect the leg bag, connect the night bag, and ensure a secure connection. Clean and dry the leg bag afterward.
What are the risks of using a catheter?
Common risks associated with urinary catheter use include urinary tract infections (UTIs), blood in the urine, and bladder spasms. It's important to be vigilant about the risk of infection and other complications. If you notice symptoms such as leakage around the catheter, absence of urine drainage, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood or mucus in the urine, fever, abdominal pain, or redness and irritation around the catheter site, it's crucial to contact medical personnel promptly. These signs can indicate a UTI or other serious issues requiring immediate attention.
Best Place to Get A Catheter
Urinary catheters come in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all device, so you might need to try different catheters before finding the best one for you.
At ExMed, you’ll find a wide selection of quality catheter products and accessories from leading manufacturers like Coloplast, Hollister, Bard, Convatec, and more!
Discover more about urinary catheters and how to care for them via our blog!
