Urological Catheters
Urinary catheters also called urological catheters or balloon or Foley
catheters, are used to drain the bladder. They are generally attached to a
drainage bag to collect the urine which can then be drained any time. The
catheter has a rubber tube with a balloon tip. After insertion into the
bladder via the urethra, the tip is filled using a syringe with sterilized
liquid or air. This keeps catheter in place and allows continuous draining
of the bladder, important during and after surgery.
There may be certain variations as per the specific requirements. Catheters
come in different sizes (12 Fr., 14 Fr.,... 30 Fr.), a variety of materials
like latex, silicone, Teflon. Usually a short term catheter is used during
the surgery and post surgery but long term in dwelling ones are used where
the use is persistent.
Care must be taken while using the catheters as excessive or improper care
may cause Infections of the bladder, kidneys, or blood Blood in urine Damage
to the skin around the catheter
