About this topic
Foley catheter is a thin, flexible tube that drains urine from your bladder. The catheter joins to a special bag. The bag holds the urine until you are able to drain the bag. You may need to have a catheter for a short time. You may need a catheter after you are sick or have had surgery. Sometimes, a catheter is used for a long time. ‚
Why is this procedure done?
A Foley catheter can be used for a number of health problems: ‚
- There is something blocking the urine from coming out. The blockage might be a narrow part of the urethra or stones in your bladder.
- You are not able to fully drain your bladder which is urinary retention.
- You need to stay in bed because of a serious injury, illness, or surgery.
- The doctor may have ordered a sterile urine test.
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What happens during the procedure?
- You will be asked to lie on your back in bed.
- The nurse will clean your vaginal area with a special soap. The soap will help prevent an infection.
- The tip of the catheter will be moistened. The nurse will place the catheter in the opening where urine comes out. The catheter will be gently pushed in until urine comes out.
- There is a small balloon at the end of the catheter that is in your bladder. The nurse fills the balloon with a little bit of sterile water to help hold the catheter in place.
- The catheter will be attached to a drain bag and secured to your body with tape or a special strap. The bag may be strapped to your leg or may hang on the frame of your bed.
- The procedure takes about 10 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- The catheter will stay in place as long as needed to drain your urine.
- The area around the catheter will need to be cleaned with care each day with soap and water. Cleaning may help prevent germs from getting into your bladder.
- The urine will be emptied from the drainage bag as needed.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat an infection
- Relax the tubes inside that drain the urine into your bladder
- Ease bladder spasms
What problems could happen?
- The catheter has a balloon to stay inside the bladder. The balloon can break or leak and the catheter can fall out.
- Urine flow stops or is blocked by kinks or bends in the tube, or if the drain bag is kept higher than your bladder
- You may see blood in the collecting tube or bag.
- Bladder infection
- You may have pain if the tube is pulled hard by mistake.
Where can I learn more?
National Institutes of Health ‚
http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/bladder/foley5_17.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚