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What is it about ?
Some conditions are accompanied by inability to urinate, which leads to a buildup of urine in the bladder. To empty the bladder, one can then use a catheter, i.e. a small tube through which urine can flow. This catheter can be inserted into the bladder through the urethra (urinary catheter) or through a small incision made in the lower abdomen (cystostomy).
How is the method chosen?
The urinary catheter is always preferred. This can be inserted whenever necessary (intermittent catheterization) or left in place for a longer period (indwelling catheter).
The downside of an indwelling catheter is that bacterial contamination always develops over time. Repeated insertion (intermittent catheterization) is therefore preferable, the indwelling catheter being placed only if there is an obvious medical reason.
If it is not possible to insert a catheter, for example because of an obstruction or because the conditions at the home of the person concerned do not allow it, the doctor will opt for an incision in the lower abdomen (cystostomy ).
What can you do ?
You can insert and remove a regular urinary catheter yourself. The medical staff will teach you how to do this. Some probes are already lubricated and you just have to moisten them before inserting them. First of all, always wash your hands thoroughly. If you do not urinate at all naturally, it is recommended to empty your bladder 4 times a day.
What can your doctor do?
The placement of an indwelling catheter or the making of an incision in the lower abdomen is always done in the hospital.
The probe should be replaced every 3 months. The catheter can be removed as soon as you are able to urinate normally again.
The infections are only treated if there are symptoms, as there always develops bacterial contamination over time.
Want to know more?
- Intermittent catheterization learning guide (female), here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- Intermittent catheterization learning guide (male), here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- Advice to the patient with a bladder catheter, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- Advice to the patient with a bladder catheter, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
- Advice to the patient with a suprapubic drain, here, Where to find on this page of Cliniques St Luc UCL
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