Catheters - Types and Uses

A catheter is a thin tube inserted into the body to drain fluids such as urine. It is commonly used when a person is unable to urinate normally or needs bladder drainage. Catheters come in various types, including intermittent catheters, indwelling catheters, and external catheters.
Category
Device
Where to get
Available in hospitals, clinics, and through medical suppliers
Applicable for
Urinary Retention | Bladder Drainage
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

catheters FAQ


Image credit: bactiguard.com

What is a urinary catheter?

A urinary catheter is a flexible tube used to empty the bladder and collect urine in a drainage bag. Urinary catheters are usually inserted by a doctor or nurse. They can either be inserted through the tube that carries urine out of the bladder (urethral catheter) or through a small opening made in your lower tummy (suprapubic catheter).

How does a urinary catheter work?

The catheter usually remains in the bladder, allowing urine to flow through it and into a drainage bag. A urinary catheter is usually used when people have difficulty peeing (urinating) naturally. It can also be used to empty the bladder before or after surgery and to help perform certain tests.

Why do I need a urinary catheter?

A doctor may recommend a urinary catheter for a person who has difficulties when urinating. Reasons for needing a catheter can include: a blockage in the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the bladder during childbirth, to drain the women’s bladder after an epidural anesthetic

What are the different types of urinary catheters?

Two main types of urinary catheter are manufactured either for single-use or for continuous indwelling drainage. The single-use catheter is selected for intermittent catheterisation, passing the catheter through the urethra into the bladder to drain the urine and then it is removed.

catheters References

If you want to know more about catheters, consider exploring links below:

What Is Catheters

  1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-catheters/
  2. https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bladder/catheter/what-is-a-catheter/
  3. https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/medicines-and-medical-aids/medical-aids/urinary-catheterisation
  4. https://www.healthline.com/health/urinary-catheters
  5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324187
  6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/foley-catheters-and-other-types-of-urinary-catheters-3157082
  7. https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/catheter-types

Catheters Information

  1. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg139/IFP/chapter/Long-term-use-of-urinary-catheters
  2. https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/patients/Urology/documents/patient_leaflets/Catheter.pdf
  3. https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/CMS-Documents/Patient-leaflets/UrologyDepartment/5871-1CatheterCare-APatientsGuide.pdf
  4. https://www.wellspect.co.uk/support/articles/what-is-a-urinary-catheter/

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