Using Foley Catheters To Treat Urinary Problems

By Author: Absr Alleg
Total Articles: 17
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Urinary problems can affect men and women both young and old, although they usually kick in when people get past the age of 40.

Elderly people often suffer from urinary problems which include incontinence, benign prostate enlargement, etc. However, although such problems are common in the elderly, they are in no way normal. There are a number of treatments available for these urinary problems and one of these is catheterization using a foley catheter.

Using a Foley Catheter

A foley catheter is a narrow tube that can be inserted into a patient's bladder in order to drain urine. It has a balloon - full of sterile water - attached at one end that keeps the catheter in place. The urine may be easily drained via an outlet device in order to test it for various problems including: infection, crystals, electrolytes and kidney function.

The foley catheter is often referred to as an indwelling catheter because it may be left in the bladder for an extended period of time.

A foley catheter is may be used for various procedures, as well as for treating a number of physical disorders including:

- ...
... Urethra obstruction - when an anatomical obstruction of the urethra occurs leading to difficulty in urination. These may be due to prostate cancer.
- Urine retention - which leads to straining while urinating, reduced size of the urinary stream, the sensation of an incomplete urination.
- Urine output monitoring - in case of an injury.
- Collecting urine for diagnostic purposes.

Risks Associated with Foley Catheters

Although foley catheters are very useful for treating urinary problems, there are also a number of risks associated with them that both patients and their doctors should be aware of, including:

- Infection - in case the foley catheter is not properly sterilized, an infection could be introduced. The risk of infection increases the longer the foley catheter is in place.
- Balloon breakage - the balloon can break during the insertion process.
- Balloon doesn't inflate - in case the balloon does not inflate another foley catheter will need to be inserted. The doctor needs to check and make sure the balloon has inflated.
- The urine may stop flowing into the bag as it is meant to.
- Blocked urine flow - this can be a cause of serious concern and will require replacement of the bag or foley catheter (or both).
- Bleeding of the urethra - in case of bleeding, the physician will need to monitor it.
- Rupture of urethra due to balloon - the balloon should never be opened before the catheter is completely in place as this can lead to damage, or even rupture of the urethra. In some cases this can lead to long term problems.

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