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Catheterization is often necessary in the treatment or diagnosis of certain diseases. Inserting a catheter is usually painful to us, so we try to avoid catheterization. It turns out, however, that this is no longer a standard and today anesthetics are used for this procedure. So what does catheterization look like and when should it be performed?
Catheterization is the process of inserting a urological catheter. The catheter is a thin, flexible tube attached to a reservoir. Most often it is introduced into the bladder through the urethra. Catheterization allows urine to drain. Occasionally, the catheter is inserted up the ureters or through the skin and into the kidney or bladder.
Catheterization – indications
Catheterization is performed in the following cases:
- urine retention as a result of benign prostate enlargement or kidney stones,
- damage to the urethra as a result of perineal injuries – catheterization is performed through the abdominal wall straight into the bladder,
- surgery on the genitourinary and digestive systems,
- pharmacological coma,
- birth.
Catheterization is usually performed for the shortest possible time. This is due to the high risk of urinary tract infections.
Catheterization – course
In most cases, catheterization is performed by inserting a drain through the urethra into the bladder. A well-performed catheterization procedure should not cause pain. Today, the catheter is inserted under anesthesia. It consists in covering the catheter with an anesthetic gel, which will additionally facilitate the insertion. In addition, these gels also have a bactericidal effect, thus preventing infections.
Catheterization is easier in women because men have a longer urethra. In addition, the male urethra naturally narrows in three places. Therefore, catheterization of men requires a lot of skill and intuition.
Pulling out the catheter is not painful. Burning, on the other hand, may accompany the first urination. Catheterization is a simple and rather safe procedure. It happens, however, that the urethra is damaged. Possible discomfort after catheterization may also be related to too large diameter of the catheter.
Catheterization – staying at home
Typically, patients stay in the hospital after catheterization and only leave the hospital after the catheter has been removed. However, it happens that the patient is discharged home with a catheter due to the long healing time and recovery from the surgery. It is worth knowing how to act in such a situation.
A properly inserted catheter should not interfere with our everyday life. So we can behave normally after catheterization. This means that we can perform light physical activities, walk or go to work. However, catheterization requires the right amount of rest and adherence to certain rules.
The most important thing is to take care of hygiene. You should wash your hands thoroughly before emptying or replacing the bag with a new one. For safety after catheterization, it is also important to care for the hygiene of intimate places, i.e. washing the perineum and the outer part of the catheter.
To avoid bacterial migration, the bag should not be disconnected from the tubing unnecessarily. However, remember to empty it regularly using the tap. People after catheterization should also drink a lot, take urine disinfectants, or drink vitamin C drinks.
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