Urine catheters: for what, who is necessary and how to fit them in?

Who needs to use a urine catheter?

Urinary catheters have been used in a variety of medical fields, from treating certain diseases to assisting surgical procedures. This tool is usually needed when someone is sick so they can't urinate completely (anyang-anyangan).

If the bladder is not emptied, urine will accumulate in the kidneys and cause damage to the point of failure of the kidney function itself. Therefore, a urinary catheter is needed by people with the following conditions:

Unable to urinate on their own.
Inability to control urination (urinary incontinence) or urine flow.
Have bladder health problems.
Hospitalized for surgery.
In a coma.
Anesthetized for a long period of time.

A person also needs to use a urinary catheter if:

Experiencing urinary retention, which is a condition when the bladder cannot empty completely.
Are not allowed to move a lot, for example due to injury or after surgery.
The frequency of urination, the amount of urine that comes out, and the flow of urine need to be monitored, for example in patients with kidney disease.
Have a medical condition that requires insertion of a catheter, such as a spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis , and dementia.

The catheter insertion is usually only temporary until the patient is able to urinate again on his own. Even so, the elderly or those who are seriously ill may need to wear a catheter for a long time, and sometimes permanently.

Different types of urine catheters and how they work

There are different types of urinary catheters. Although they function the same, each type of catheter is used under different conditions and for different durations. The following types of urinary catheters are based on the material.

Plastic catheter for patients with non-chronic disease. This tool is used temporarily because it is more easily damaged and not as flexible as other materials.
Latex catheters are used for use less than 3 weeks.
Pure silicone catheter for 2-3 months of use because the material is more flexible and suitable for the urethra (urethra).
Temporary use metal catheter, usually to empty the bladder in a newborn mother.

Depending on the person's goals and needs, catheter insertion can be temporary or permanent. A urinary catheter that is permanently placed is also referred to as a urinary catheter permcath .

When viewed from its use, urinary catheters are divided into three main types, namely:

1. Indwelling catheter (urethral or suprapubic catheter)

Indwelling catheter is a catheter that is inserted into the urine. Also known as Foley catheter , this tool is usually used to treat urinary incontinence or urinary retention. The use of a catheter is recommended for less than 30 days.

This catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra or a small opening in the abdomen. The tip of the catheter is equipped with a small balloon that inflates into the urinary tract. This balloon serves to keep the hose from moving.

2.Condom catheter (external catheter)

A condom catheter is also known as an external catheter. This type of catheter installation is intended for men who do not have problems with urine flow, but have not been able to urinate normally due to physical or mental disorders.

As the name suggests, this urine catheter is placed outside the body and is shaped like a condom to cover the head of the patient's penis. There is a small tube that functions to drain urine. Condom catheters need to be changed every day if they are not designed for long-term use.

Compared with indwelling catheter , condom catheters are more comfortable and have less risk of infection. However, using these catheters can increase the risk of skin irritation because they are often removed and replaced.

3.Intermittent catheter (short term)

Intermittent catheters are intended for patients who have not been able to urinate temporarily due to surgery. Once the bladder and urinary tract return to normal function, the urinary catheter will be removed.

This appliance can be installed at home or with the assistance of a nurse. The tube is inserted through a small incision in the urethra or a small hole made under the stomach. Make sure you consult your doctor to understand how to install it.

Urinary catheter insertion procedure

Urinary catheterization or catheterization is a procedure to insert a catheter tube through the urethra (urethra) into the bladder. This is where urine is temporarily stored before it is expelled from the body.

Here are the steps.

The catheter installation is carried out by a nurse on duty on the instructions of a doctor. The catheter must be inserted into the patient's body in a completely sterile procedure to avoid the risk of bladder infection.
The nurse will first open and clean the catheterization equipment and the patient's genitals.
The hose is then greased with a certain lubricant so that it is easy to insert into the urethra.
You may be given a local anesthetic first to reduce pain or discomfort when the catheter is placed.
The nurse inserts the catheter tube into the urethra (urethra) little by little.
The catheter tube will be inserted approximately 5 cm, until it reaches the neck of your bladder.
After this, you can immediately urinate using a catheter tube. The urine will flow through the catheter tube, then enter the urine bag.
Don't forget to empty the urine bag connected to your catheter every 6-8 hours.

Most of the catheter use is necessary until the patient is able to urinate again on his own. Usually, this is for brief use and for less severe health conditions. However, elderly parents and those with permanent injuries or severe disease may need to use urinary catheters for much longer amounts and sometimes use them permanently.

Urinary catheter is an important tool for surgery patients and people with urinary system disorders. This tool helps excrete and collect urine so that the patient can urinate normally again.

It should be noted that using a catheter can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. So, make sure you keep it clean and consult your doctor if you have questions about using a urine catheter.