How does a catheter go in

Indwelling catheters are sometimes fitted with a valve. The valve can be opened to allow urine to be drained into a toilet, and closed to allow the bladder to fill with urine until drainage is convenient. Rather than being inserted through your urethra, the catheter is inserted through a hole in your tummy abdomen and then directly into your bladder.

This procedure can be done under general anaesthetic , epidural anaesthetic or local anaesthetic. A suprapubic catheter is used when the urethra is damaged or blocked, or when someone is unable to use an intermittent catheter. The catheter may be secured to the side of your body and attached to a collection bag strapped to your leg.

Alternatively, a valve can be attached that opens to allow urine to be drained into a toilet, and closes to allow the bladder to fill with urine until drainage is convenient. Read more about living with a urinary catheter. Page last reviewed: 26 February Next review due: 26 February Always ensure it does not pull on the catheter. The bags are usually of ml, ml, ml or 1litre capacity for daytime use depending on manufacturer.

At night an extra 2-litre bag can be fitted easily to the day leg bag to increase the available capacity. They should be supported on a catheter drainage bag stand.

An indwelling urethral catheter is passed through the urethra the tube through which urine passes. This is the usual method of draining urine from the bladder when short-term drainage is required usually less than 30 days. If you are sexually active it may be possible to be taught to remove your indwelling urethral catheter prior to intercourse and insert a new one afterwards. You may wish to discuss this with your partner. In some cases when long term catheterisation is needed longer than 30 days , the preferred method of drainage is via a suprapubic catheter.

This method involves a small operation to form an artificial track directly into the bladder and the catheter is inserted through the lower abdominal wall directly below the belly button. However, indwelling catheters are more likely to cause problems such as infections. Inserting either type of catheter can be uncomfortable, so anaesthetic gel may be used on the area to reduce any pain. You may also experience some discomfort while the catheter is in place, but most people with a long-term catheter get used to this over time.

Read more about the types of urinary catheter. If you need a long-term urinary catheter, you'll be given detailed advice about looking after it before you leave hospital. This will include advice about getting new catheter supplies, reducing the risk of complications such as infections, spotting signs of potential problems, and when you should get medical advice.

You should be able to live a relatively normal life with a urinary catheter. The catheter and bag can be concealed under clothes, and you should be able to do most everyday activities, including working, exercising, swimming and having sex. Read more about living with a urinary catheter. The main problems caused by urinary catheters are infections in the urethra, bladder or, less commonly, the kidneys.