Introduction:
A Foley catheter is a medical device used to drain urine from the bladder. If the person finds it difficult to pee, the doctor uses a Foley catheter to drain the urine. This device is also used while a person’s body heals after surgery. The doctors will give instructions on how to clean a Foley catheter. Read the article to know more.
What Is Meant by Foley Catheter?
A Foley catheter is a device that doctors use to drain urine from the bladder. The drained urine will be collected in a bag outside the body. Those people use this device. This device consists of a thin, flexible tube that runs through the urethra to the bladder. Two pathways run along the entire tube. One of the tubes drains the urine into the collective bag while the other tube is connected to a balloon placed at the tip of the tube in the bladder. Here, the balloon is filled with sterile water, which helps the Foley catheter stay in place. This is a safe device of various sizes, so anyone of any age can use it.
What Are the Conditions for Which Foley Catheter Is Used?
A Foley catheter is used in case of some conditions, such as
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Urine retention can result in urine hesitancy.
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Strainful urination.
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Reduced size and force of urine stream.
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The feeling of incomplete urination.
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Interruption of the urine stream.
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Obstruction in the urethra is a condition that makes it difficult for the person to pee; some conditions are prostate cancer, prostate hypertrophy, or narrowing of the urethra.
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Monitoring of the urine output in ill or injured persons.
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Nerve-associated bladder dysfunction.
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Post surgery.
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Temporary loss of bladder control.
How Is the Foley Catheterization Procedure Performed?
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Female Catheterization: The female urethra is shorter than the male urethra. The urethra is located at the pelvis above the vagina. The patient is made to lie on the edge of the table. Proper exposure to the urethra is obtained by placing the legs in a frog-legged position. The labia is separated to see the urethra properly.
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Male Catheterization: The male urethra is longer than the female urethra. A catheter is positioned when the person is lying down or in a frog-legged position. If the foreskin is present, it is retracted to the maximum extent.
How Is a Foley Catheter Inserted?
There are some steps during the insertion of a Foley catheter; these are
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The urethra and nearby areas are cleaned using a cotton ball dipped in an antiseptic solution. The cleaning is performed in a circular motion, starting at the urethra.
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A Foley catheter, lubricated with water-soluble jelly, is inserted into the bladder through the urethra.
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Once the catheter is passed, the balloon is placed inside the bladder. Then, using a syringe, this balloon is slowly inflated with water to about 10 cc. This procedure should be painless.
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During this time, if any urine is in the bladder, it should flow back through the inserted catheter into the sterile bag used for draining the urine.
How Is a Drainage Bag Useful?
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Usually, the drainage bag is used to drain the urine from the bladder through the catheter.
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This bag is usually hung along the bedside using a hook on the bag.
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If the patient is discharged when the patient is wearing a Foley catheter, the drainage bag will be exchanged with a portable bag called a leg bag. This bag will be secured to the calf area using adhesive tape.
How Is a Foley Catheter Removed?
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To remove the Foley catheter, the balloon is deflated using a syringe.
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This is done through a catheter valve, which pulls the syringe back.
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The pressure present in the balloon will make the water flow into the syringe.
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Once the balloon is empty, the Foley catheter will be pulled out.
What Are the Risks Associated With Foley Catheters?
Some common risk factors are-
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The most common risk is UTI (urinary tract infection). Usually, a Foley catheter should not be used for more than three months; the longer it is used, the greater the chance of a UTI.
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Burning or cramping pain is present in the region around the bladder.
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Issues of pee leakage.
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Bleeding.
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Damage to the urethra may be caused.
Will Inserting a Foley Catheter Cause Pain?
Inserting a Foley catheter can usually cause discomfort, so a numb cream is used. This helps to reduce the discomfort or pain caused during insertion.
How Long Can a Foley Catheter Be Used?
Foley catheters should be used only while healing from a treatment. Once the person has recovered, there is no need for a Foley catheter, but if the person cannot pee naturally, they need the help of a Foley catheter for weeks to months. However, a Foley catheter must be used only for about three months as it increases the risk of urinary tract infection.
In some cases, the catheter might be used lifelong. In such cases, the doctor will guide the patient on how to use it, change it, and care for it. By knowing how to use it, the person can participate in all regular activities, such as walking, swimming, bathing, traveling, etc., without any issues.
How to Care for a Foley Catheter?
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Wash the area around the catheter regularly with soap and water. It should be rinsed and dried well.
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The person may shower while the catheter is attached, but it should not be soaked inside a tub.
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The person should wash their hands properly before a collecting bag is changed.
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While changing the bag, an alcohol swab is used to clean the ends of the tube properly.
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After emptying the collecting bag, tap water is used to flush it. The bag is sterilized using a cleanser for 30 minutes before draining, rinsing, drying, and reattaching.
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Two liters of water should be consumed to flush the collecting bag and clean it regularly daily.
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The catheter needs to be secured properly.
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The bag should not be attached too tight to the leg, disrupting the blood flow.
Conclusion:
A Foley catheter is a medical device that helps drain urine from the bladder. It is usually used by people recovering from a treatment or a condition. In most cases, it is used for a few weeks to months as it can cause severe UTI problems, but in some cases, it is used lifelong when the person cannot pee naturally.
