Tag Archives: catheter
Article

How to Properly Care for and Maintain a Foley Catheter

Oftentimes, when an individual is put in the hospital to undergo a surgical procedure or due to some other type of serious illness, they will have a Foley catheter inserted into the bladder area. This type of catheter uses a tube that is flexible in nature to go up inside of the bladder and help drain urine from the bladder out of the body and into a urine collection bag. Catheters are primarily only used on patients who are going to be incapable of getting out of bed to go to the bathroom. These devices are also used for patients who suffer from certain types of incontinence as well. Oftentimes, if the catheter is not properly cared for, it can result in getting a serious infection.

Before a nurse or other medical professional inserts the Foley catheter into the patient, it is sterilized. Keeping the insertion area on the patient clean is just as important as keeping the equipment clean. Most medical professionals use a special cleanser that comes with the catheter to clean the equipment and the area on the body. It is also important to make sure that there is a direct order from your physician stating that you need the catheter inserted. (more…)

Article

Why Men Prefer the External Catheter

What is an external catheter and what are its advantages over traditional catheters?  The external catheter is designed differently from the traditional internal catheter, which must be inserted into the penis.  This is not excruciatingly painful as you might think, though some men still detest the idea.  For those who are not keen on the idea of repeated insertion, the external or Texas style catheter is a solid compromise.

 

These catheters are not actually inserted but worn around the penis, just as a condom would be used.  The condom-like device is used to drain the urine from the bladder.  The catheter is connected to an item called a drainage bag, which holds the urine.  The bag is strapped to the leg and affixed in a variety of ways, most of which are adhesives. (more…)