What is a Foley Catheter?
A Foley catheter is a thin, flexible tube used to drain or collect urine from the bladder. It is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. One end of the catheter stays outside the body and collects urine in a drainage bag. The other tipped end rests in the bladder. A balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated once inside the bladder to hold it in place.
Uses of Foley Catheters
Foley catheters have several important medical uses:
Post-Surgery Drainage
After certain types of surgery on the prostate, bladder, uterus or vagina, a Foley catheter may be placed to allow proper drainage of urine from the bladder while the surgical area heals. This prevents urine from irritating the surgical site. Catheters are usually left in place for 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Urine Output Monitoring
For patients in the hospital intensive care unit or those unable to voluntarily urinate, a Foley catheter makes it possible to accurately measure fluid intake and output. This helps medical staff monitor kidney function and treat conditions like renal failure.
Incontinence Management
For patients with urinary incontinence or retention, a Foley catheters provides an easy way to drain the bladder and collect urine rather than using pads or diapers. This is often a temporary solution to manage incontinence caused by an infection, medication side effect or neurological condition.
Comfort at End of Life
For palliative care patients at the end of life, a Foley catheter insertion may improve comfort by preventing soiled linens from urine leakage and allowing family to focus on companionship rather than toileting needs.
Catheter Placement and Care
Insertion Procedure
Placement of a Foley catheter is usually done at a patient's bedside. The area around the urethra is cleaned and draped. A lubricated catheter is then gently inserted a short distance into the urethra. As the catheter reaches the bladder, urine will begin to drain out. The nurse then inflates the small balloon at the catheter tip with sterile water. This anchors it securely inside the bladder.
Sterile Technique is Critical
Strict sterile technique must be followed during insertion and maintenance to prevent urinary tract infections. Hand washing, use of gloves, cleaning the periurethral area and draping are crucial. Reinserting or changing the catheter also requires sterile measures.
Connecting to a Drainage Bag
Once placed, the long tubing coming from the catheter is connected to a flexible drainage bag that collects and measures urine output. This bag hangs on the side of the bed or may be attached to the patient's leg if mobile.
Daily Care and Changing
Nurses closely observe for any signs of infection at the urethral site such as inflammation, edema or purulent drainage. They also monitor urine for abnormalities in color, clarity or odor. On a routine schedule, the catheter tubing and drainage bag are either changed or cleaned with antiseptic.This helps prevent blockages and keep the system functioning properly.
Potential Complications
Blockages and Kinking
If urine flow decreases or stops, it usually indicates a blockage in the narrow catheter lumen or tubing kink. Common causes are blood clots, crystallized minerals or plaques forming on the inner catheter walls. Gentle flushing or replacing the catheter may restore drainage.
Infection Risk
Because urine flowing past the catheter provides an entryway for bacteria, there is risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). Signs include fever, increased pain or burning on urination. Addressing any blockages, proper positioning and hygiene can help reduce risk. Antibiotics may be needed for confirmed infections.
Bladder Spasms or Trauma
Inflating the catheter balloon inside the bladder can potentially cause mild spasms, pain or minor bleeding from bladder wall trauma. Using the smallest balloon size needed and least painful insertion technique helps prevent these issues.
About Author:
Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.
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