The catheter is a device in the form of a small tube that is flexible and commonly used by patients to help empty the bladder. Installation of this tool is done specifically for patients who are unable to urinate themselves normally.
Generally the use of a catheter is only temporary, until the patient is able to return to urinate himself. The catheter also needs to be replaced within a certain period so that it still functions properly and does not trigger infection.
Specific Conditions That Require a Catheter
One of the conditions that most require a catheter is urine retention, which is the condition of the bladder's inability to excrete the entire urine, for example due to prostate enlargement.
Conversely, conditions when a person is unable to control the bladder or urinary incontinence may also require catheter placement.
In addition, the catheter is also often used in various medical procedures, such as:
- Labor and caesarean section.
- Intensive care that requires monitoring body fluid balance.
- The process of emptying the bladder before, during, or after surgery.
- When administering drugs directly into the bladder, for example due to bladder cancer.
Types of Catheters and Procedures for Their Use
Based on the type and indications, there are catheters which are immediately removed a few minutes after use, some are only removed after a few hours, days, or even in a longer period of time.
But basically, all types of catheters have the same function, namely to drain urine that has accumulated in the bladder to be removed from the body. It's just a different model. The following are some types of urine catheters:
Intermittent catheter
This catheter is used if you need a catheter for a while. This catheter is commonly used for postoperative patients or patients who are reluctant to carry a urine bag.
The procedure for its use can be installed through the urethra until it reaches the bladder. Then, urine will come out through the catheter from the bladder and collected in a urine bag or drainage bag.
Indwelling catheter
This type of catheter is almost the same as the intermittent catheter which is intended for temporary use. However, this type of catheter is equipped with a small balloon that serves to prevent the catheter from sliding in and out of the body. The balloon will be deflated and removed when the catheter has been used.
This type of catheter is installed in two ways. First, it is placed through the urethra. Urine will come out through the catheter from the bladder and collected in a urine bag. The second way, the catheter is inserted through a small hole made in the stomach. This second method can only be done in a hospital with a proper sterilization procedure.
Condom catheter
This type of catheter must be replaced every day. Shaped like a condom mounted on the outside of the penis. It has the same function as a catheter in general, which is to drain urine into a drainage bag.
This type of catheter is commonly used in men who do not have disorders of the urinary tract, but have mental or psychological disorders, such as dementia (senile dementia).
Catheters are generally safe to use. Even so, there are important things to consider when using a catheter, which is cleanliness. Catheter hygiene must always be maintained to prevent infection, especially the type of indwelling urinary catheter that is often associated with urinary tract infections.
If you are required to use a catheter, ask for an explanation from your doctor or nurse about how to use and properly care for the catheter, so that the catheter is functioning properly and does not cause infection.
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