Purpose of Catheterization

Many people are very familiar with the term catheterization. After patients undergo some surgeries, they must undergo catheterization. Catheterization is the process of draining urine out of the bladder through a catheter. The main reason for catheterization is to worry about the patient's urinary retention after surgery. During catheterization, the patient should be mentally prepared and try to relax as much as possible. If they are too nervous, it will affect the smooth progress of the catheterization.

Purpose of Catheterization:

1. Draw uncontaminated urine specimens directly from the bladder for bacterial culture, measure bladder capacity and pressure, check residual urine volume, and distinguish between urinary retention and urine retention to assist in diagnosis.

2. Help patients with urinary retention to release urine to relieve pain.

3. Before pelvic organ surgery, the patient should be catheterized to empty the bladder to avoid accidental injury during the operation.

4. In case of coma, urinary incontinence or perineum injury, retain the catheter to keep the area dry and clean. After surgery for certain urinary system diseases, indwelling catheterization is often required to promote the recovery of bladder function and healing of incisions.

5. When rescuing patients in shock or critical condition, correctly record urine volume and specific gravity to observe renal function.

Catheterization precautions

1. Strictly follow aseptic techniques to prevent urinary tract infection.

2. The catheter should be inserted gently to avoid damaging the urethral mucosa. If there is a sense of obstruction during insertion (do not insert it forcefully), change the direction (you can also withdraw 2-3cm slightly, inject paraffin oil into the catheter to lubricate the urethra), and then insert it another 2cm when urine flows out. Do not insert it too deep or too shallow, and especially avoid repeatedly pulling out the catheter. (Although the guide wire can be inserted quickly and forcefully, it is most likely to damage the urethral mucosa, so it can be withdrawn before; paraffin oil must be repeatedly applied to the catheter twice)

3. The thickness of the catheter should be appropriate. For children or those suspected of urethral stenosis, the catheter should be thin.

4. For those with an overfull bladder, urination should be slow to avoid sudden decompression that may cause bleeding or fainting.

For patients with highly distended bladders and extreme weakness, the first catheterization volume should not exceed 1000ml to prevent large amounts of urination, which may lead to a sudden decrease in intra-abdominal pressure and retention of a large amount of blood in the abdominal blood vessels, causing a drop in blood pressure and collapse. It may also cause sudden decompression of the bladder, leading to rapid congestion of the bladder mucosa and causing hematuria.

5. When measuring residual urine, instruct the patient to urinate on his own first and then catheterize. The residual urine volume is generally 5-10 ml. If it exceeds 100 ml, a urethral catheter should be placed.

6. When indwelling catheterization is in place, the catheter should be frequently checked for fixation and whether it has fallen out. If necessary, the bladder should be flushed once a day with sterile liquid. The catheter should be replaced every 5-7 days, and the urethra should be relaxed for several hours before reinserting.

7. For patients with overfilled bladder, the catheterization speed should not be too fast, otherwise it may cause shock or bladder bleeding. At this time, the urine should be released slowly in multiple times, about 150-200ml each time, repeatedly, and gradually empty the bladder.