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What is a Urinary Catheter?
What is a Urinary Catheter?
A urinary catheter is a hollow, partially flexible tube that collects urine from the bladder and leads to a drainage bag.urinary catheter They come in different sizes and types. Catheters are used in cases where a person cannot empty their bladder, or can only do so very slowly. If the bladder is not emptied properly, it can build up pressure in the kidneys which can cause damage to them, or even lead to kidney failure. Most people only need a catheter for a short time, until they can empty their bladder normally again. However, older adults and people with permanent injury or illness may need to use one for a much longer period, or permanently.
A catheter can either be inserted into the urethra, or a hole can be made in the tummy (abdomen) and the catheter inserted directly into the bladder.urinary catheter A person who can perform intermittent catheterisation will often choose to use a short-term, single-use catheter to drain their bladder and then remove it. They can also choose to use a long-term, indwelling catheter - a drainage tube that is left in the bladder attached to a drainage bag.
Catheters are prone to bacterial invasion and infection, because bacteria are able to pass along the inside and outside of the catheter, especially when it is in place for an extended period of time.urinary catheter This is why it is very important to keep the area where the catheter is inserted clean. It should be washed regularly, with a mild soap and water, or using the cleaning solution recommended by your doctor. It is also very important to be sure that you are getting enough fluids. If you are not drinking enough, your urine might be pale, which indicates that your body isn't getting sufficient hydration.
In order to minimise the risk of infection, most catheters are now coated with silicone elastomer to reduce friction and encrustration.urinary catheter They may also be chemically impregnated or 'antimicrobial' coated to inhibit the growth of surface biofilms and to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
It is also important that the drainage system of a person with a catheter is cleaned on a regular basis, by emptying and disinfecting the drainage bag. This should be done at least every 8 hours, and more frequently if necessary. It is also advisable to wash the skin around the catheter with mild soap and water, or the cleansing wipes provided by your doctor, before and after using the drainage bag.
There is an urgent need for research to develop a catheter that is easy and safe to insert, urethrally or suprapubically, can be reliably retained in the bladder, and can be withdrawn easily, quickly and safely. This is a challenge for the scientific, engineering, commercial and clinical communities to meet, but with sufficient commitment from funders and healthcare professionals it can be achieved. RCN best practice guidelines for catheterisation were updated earlier this year, and NHS Improvement has just published a new national clinical documentation guide to support the safe use of catheters.
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