How does care work?
The external opening of the urethra is treated with an antiseptic, a gel with lidocaine is injected, after 3–5 minutes a sterile catheter is smoothly passed into the bladder until urine appears; with a permanent catheter, the fixing balloon is inflated and a urinal bag is connected. For adenoma, catheters with a curved end (Tiemann) are used, for stricture - thin ones or under the control of a urethroscope. At home, keep the catheter and urinal bag clean, drink 1.5–2 liters of liquid; replacement - every 2-4 weeks in the clinic. If urinary retention occurs after catheter installation, treatment of the cause is planned (TUR, HoLEP, urethrotomy).
When is catheterization needed?
Acute urinary retention in adenoma, after surgery and trauma, neurogenic bladder, diuresis control in the hospital, administration of drugs and contrast, urine collection for culture, replacement of a permanent catheter. In acute urinary retention, catheterization is the first aid: it immediately relieves pain and overflow, after which the cause is treated.
Indwelling catheter
A Foley catheter is left in place if independent urination is impossible before surgery (TURP, HoLEP) or for a long time in severely ill patients; change every 2–4 weeks. A long urethral catheter increases the risk of infection and stricture, so cystostomy is preferred for long-term urinary diversion.
