Urological patients may require intermittent or continuous urinary catheters or suprapubic bladder drainage tubes, depending on their specific case. Dr. CCKI Phan Huynh Tien Dat from the Department of Urology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City explains that urinary catheter placement is a common medical procedure used to store urine from the bladder when a patient is unable to urinate naturally.
Intermittent urinary catheters are typically used for short-term drainage and are removed after draining all the urine from the bladder. They are inserted through the urethra with one end connecting to a urine collection bag. Continuous catheters, like Foley catheters, are placed in the bladder for longer periods and are replaced every 90 days to prevent infection. They also connect to a urine collection bag for drainage.
In cases where regular catheterization is unsuccessful or when a patient has undergone complicated bladder surgery, a suprapubic bladder drainage tube may be used. This type of urinary catheter is inserted through a small hole in the abdomen directly into the bladder. Patients with urethral injuries or those who have just had surgery may require this type of catheterization.
Patients who need to wear a urinary catheter at home after leaving the hospital are given specific instructions on how to care for it properly. Dr. Tien Dat advises patients to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as cloudy urine, fever, leakage around the catheter, or abdominal pain. It’s important for patients to monitor their catheters regularly and clean them properly as instructed by their healthcare provider to prevent complications such as infection and clotting.
The duration of wearing a urinary catheter varies for each patient, and proper care and monitoring are essential to prevent complications such as infection, clotting and other adverse events that could lead to more serious health problems if not managed appropriately.
Overall, patients should consult with their healthcare provider before deciding on whether an intermittent or continuous urinary catheter is necessary based on their specific case requirements and needs while understanding that proper care and monitoring are critical in preventing complications associated with wearing them for extended periods of time.