Indwelling Catheters

Indwelling catheters, also referred to as foley catheters, simply means internal catheters. Indwelling catheters are generally an out-patient procedure and performed by a physician. They may be used for a small amount of time while bladder function is regained, such as after a surgery, or for a longer period of time, such as after a spinal injury. An indwelling catheter has a small balloon at the end of it that is inserted in your bladder and is filled with sterile saline solution keeping the catheter in your bladder. When the catheter needs to be removed the balloon is simply deflated. The catheter is inserted through the urethra with a tube connected to a collection bag for drainage. It is important that the drainage bag is always kept below bladder level to prevent back flow and possible infection. The drainage bags can be attached to the leg for freedom or you can use an overnight bag while sleeping or bed ridden.

With indwelling catheters it is important to drink at least 12 eight ounce glasses of water a day to keep urine output over two quarts. Routinely checking urine color and odor is also recommended to help keep infections in check. The genital area must be cleaned around the catheter area at least twice a day and the catheter should be irrigated with sterile solution provided to you. If you are using an indwelling catheter for a long period of time they must be changed every four weeks.

Indwelling catheters are often used for the very ill or severely impaired patients to measure their urine output when moving is painful or difficult. A patient may also use an indwelling catheter if they live a home bound life and do not have access to home bound help and deal with incontinence and bladder issues.

The other type of indwelling catheter is a suprapubic catheter where a small incision is made, generally in the belly button to minimize scarring, and the catheter is directly inserted into the bladder. This is done as an outpatient or office procedure and you can go home the same day.

Female Indwelling Catheter

The female indwelling catheter measures six inches long and comes in sizes 12Fr-18Fr. At times it may be difficult to find the female urethra, especially in elderly women, as it may prolapse into the vaginal upper wall. The catheter administrator will identify landmarks for each woman and may require assistance for a clean and sterile insertion.

The indwelling catheter has been referred to as a unisex catheter and may be used by both men and women. The male indwelling catheter is longer but it may be used by women who have certain medical needs.

Male Indwelling Catheter

The male indwelling catheter is 16 inches long and comes in French sizes 12Fr-26Fr. Many times lidocaine jelly is used as an anesthetic to reduce discomfort due to the length of the male urethra and can help prevent urethral spasm.

The male indwelling catheter has all the same characteristics as the female indwelling catheter with the exception that it is a bit longer.

Indwelling Catheter Complications

The most common complication that is experienced by an indwelling catheter is a urinary tract infection. In many cases the bacteria will grow in the urine and will never show any signs and will not need treatment, however, the bacteria can cause symptoms including fever, a strong urine smell, and a change in the urine appearance. Antibiotics and changing the catheter is generally recommended to solve this problem. When the catheter is inserted, in very rare occasions the bladder can become damaged or the bladder wall may be punctured. There are times when the indwelling catheter is inserted and the balloon is inflated in the urethra causing damage to the urethra wall. This is more common in men than women due to the length of the male urethra. If long term use of an indwelling catheter is required the urethra can become damaged or scarred; inflammation or infection of the kidneys may develop; mineral deposits, also known as stones, may form inside the kidneys, bladder, or on the catheter tip or balloon; men may experience infection of the scrotum; infection is also possible of the prostate and nearby structures.

If you think you are experiencing any complications contact your doctor immediately. The information above is not intended to replace any information provided to you by your doctor or medical professional.