Urinary Catheterization: Procedure, Types, and Patient Care Guide

Are you experiencing severe pain in your back, painful urination, or a slower-than-usual urine flow? If yes, you might be facing urinary discomfort or incontinence that can be managed effectively with the right medical intervention. Delaying treatment can lead to severe pain and discomfort and, in many cases, pose serious health risks. Through this informational blog MedInstant takes you through the procedure of urinary catheterisation at home that brings relief from urinary problems.

What is Urinary Catheterisation?

Urinary Catheterisation is a medical procedure performed by trained nursing professionals, where a tube-like catheter is used to drain urine out from the bladder to bring relief from the urinary problems. Here the tube is carefully inserted through the urethra to the bladder, for the urine to drain out and collect in the drainage bag.

How is Urinary Catheterisation done?

Before we go into the details, it’s important to note that the procedure differs slightly between male and female patients due to anatomical differences. However, the following steps are common to both:- 

• Using clean and sterile equipment: All supplies must be sterile to prevent contamination or infection.

• Practicing proper hand hygiene: Hand hygiene should be maintained from start to finish until the catheter is removed.

• Cleaning the genital area and applying gel: Before the procedure, clean the genital area thoroughly and apply a water-soluble gel to ensure smooth insertion.
  

Catheterisation for Male Patients

The catheter is gently inserted into the urethral opening and advanced slowly (approximately 2.5 cm) until urine begins to flow into the drainage bag.

Catheterisation for Female Patients

The catheter is inserted carefully into the urethral opening and advanced about 3 inches until urine begins to drain into the collection bag.

In What Cases is Urinary Catheterisation Required?

Urinary Catheterisation is done in the following cases:

• Urinary retention where the patient is unable to empty their bladder due to neurological conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis or in situations of an enlarged prostrate. 

• Where kidney stones block the bladder and impair the urine flow and cause pain too.

• If the patient recently has had a surgery around the genital or the hip area and is unable to pass the urine naturally.

• To manage critically ill elderly patients or patients who are bedridden and are unable to pee naturally.
  

What are the Different Types of Catheters?

• Indwelling catheters (urethral and suprapubic) inserted for a longer duration to drain urine from the bladder continuously.
  

• Intermittent Catheter inserted into the bladder for a smaller period of time while the patient is recovering from a surgery or an illness. 
  

• External Catheter primarily used for male patients who have lost their bladder control or post operative patients who are advised to rest and should not move.
  

• Suprapubic catheter is inserted directly into the bladder in the lower abdomen area through a surgical procedure. This urinary bladder catheterisation procedure is safe and effective. You can read more about MedInstant’s urinary catheterisation at home on their service page and choose for yourself.
  

Patient Guidelines on Catheter Care: Do’s

• Seek clear guidance on catheter care from your nursing care expert.

  
  

• Practice hand hygiene before and after catheter care to avoid infection and contamination.

  
  

• Use sterile supplies and dispose them well after the catheterisation procedure is done.

  
  

• Clean the catheter tube as advised by the medical professional.

  
  

• Empty the urine drainage bag at regular intervals or when the bag is full or overflowing.

  
  

• Clean the drainage bag as instructed by the nursing expert, do not pull it in haste.

  
  

• Place the drainage bag below the bladder level to prevent backflow of urine.

  
  

• Wash the area and dry it after each bowel movement to prevent infection from faecal contamination. Don’ts
  

• Don’t twist the tube as it may cause discomfort to the patient.
  

• Don’t use unmedicated powder in the catheter insertion area.

  
  

• Don’t practice self-insertion or removal; call an expert for urinary catheter insertion.

  
  

• Don’t pull the catheter while cleaning as it may cause excessive pain and discomfort to the patient.

  
  

• Don’t ignore the signs of infection; immediately call your nursing care expert.

  
  

• Don’t panic if the catheter is dislodged accidentally; call for home care services in Noida, such as MedInstant.

  
  

• Don’t ignore the guidance given by the nursing care expert. 

Conclusion: 

Urinary catheterisation may sound complex, but when performed by trained professionals, it provides safe and effective relief from urinary issues. At MedInstant, our home healthcare experts are well-trained to ensure your comfort, safety, and hygiene during the entire procedure.

Whether you need short-term support or long-term care, MedInstant ensures that professional help is just a call away. Explore our services today and choose the best home healthcare for your needs.