A catheter is a device in the form of a small, flexible tube that the patient uses to help empty the bladder. Installation of this tool is done specifically for patients who are unable to urinate normally on their own.
Generally, the use of a catheter is only temporary, until the patient is able to return to urinate on his own. The catheter also needs to be replaced within a certain period of time to keep it functioning properly and not trigger infection. In addition to the installation of a catheter, doctors can also overcome complaints of difficulty urinating by administering drugs.
Certain Conditions Require Catheter
One of the conditions that most require a catheter is urinary retention, which is the inability of the bladder to excrete all urine, for example due to an enlarged prostate and hydronephrosis.
Conversely, conditions when a person is unable to control the bladder or urinary incontinence may also require catheterization.
In addition, catheters are also often used in various medical procedures, such as:
- Delivery and caesarean section.
- Intensive care requiring monitoring of body fluid balance.
- The process of emptying the bladder before, during, or after surgery.
- When administering the drug directly into the bladder, for example due to bladder cancer.
Types of Catheters and Procedures for Their Use
Based on the type and indication, there are catheters that are immediately removed a few minutes after use, some are just removed after a few hours, days, or even for a longer period of time.
But basically, all types of catheters have the same function, namely to drain urine that has collected in the bladder to be removed from the body. It's just a different model. The following are different types of urinary catheters:
intermittent catheter
This catheter is used when you need a catheter temporarily. This catheter is usually used for postoperative patients or patients who are reluctant to carry a urine collection bag.
The procedure for its use can be inserted through the urethra until it reaches the bladder. Then, urine will be released through the catheter from the bladder and collected in a urine collection bag or drainage bag.
Indwelling catheter
This type of catheter is almost the same as intermittent catheter intended for temporary use. However, this type of catheter is equipped with a small balloon that functions to prevent the catheter from shifting and leaving the body. The balloon will be deflated and removed when the catheter is finished.
This type of catheter is installed in two ways. First, it is inserted through the urethra. Urine will come out through a catheter from the bladder and collected in a urine collection bag. The second way, the catheter is inserted through a small hole made in the abdomen. This second method can only be done in a hospital with proper sterilization procedures.
Condom catheter
This type of catheter must be changed every day. The shape resembles a condom that is attached to the outside of the penis. Its function is the same as a catheter in general, namely to drain urine into a drainage bag.
This type of catheter is commonly used in men who do not have disorders in the urinary tract, but have mental or psychological disorders, such as dementia (senile).
Catheters are generally safe to use. Even so, there is an important thing to note in the use of a catheter, namely its cleanliness. Catheter cleanliness must always be maintained to prevent infection, especially indwelling urinary catheter which is often associated with urinary tract infections.
If you are required to use a catheter, ask your doctor or nurse to explain how to use and care for the catheter correctly, so that the catheter functions properly and does not cause infection.