How Long Should a Catheter Be Left In - Factors to Consider & Guidelines to Follow

How long should a catheter be left in? The answer varies depending on the type of catheter and what it is used for.


How long you can safely keep a catheter in place varies greatly. Most recommendations are two to 12 weeks, but the exact amount of time depends on the type of catheter used, what it’s made of, whether you’re prone to infection and blockages, and your specific issues. Most manufacturers offer a guarantee of safety for a few weeks, but again, it depends on the particular circumstances.

Are you using a catheter or about to begin using one? How long should a catheter be left in? Here’s what you need to know about duration of use, safety, and other issues.

What Is a Catheter?

Many people know that a catheter is inserted into the body to allow for involuntary urination, but not everyone knows exactly what the device is.

A catheter is a hollow, mostly flexible tube. It’s inserted through the urethra into the urinary bladder to collect urine. The urine travels down the catheter tube and into a drainage bag. Catheters come in different sizes and are made of different materials, including:

  • Plastic/PVC

  • Silicone

  • Rubber

There are three different types of catheters, including:

  • Indwelling catheter

  • External catheter

  • Short-term catheter

Catheters are used when someone can’t empty their bladder. This could be a temporary circumstance, such as during surgery or for a few weeks if they’ve been injured, or permanent if they have a condition or injury that’s caused permanent damage. Some of the most common reasons you might need to use a urinary catheter include:

  • Blocked urine flow due to kidney stones, blood clots, enlargement of the prostate

  • Prostate gland surgery

  • Genital surgery

  • Hysterectomy

  • Bladder nerve injury

  • Spinal cord injury

  • Dementia or other conditions that affect mental function

  • Medications

  • Spina bifida

It’s essential to ensure the bladder can be emptied because failing to do so puts one at risk of kidney infections and/or failure.

Types of Catheters

 

Indwelling Catheter

An indwelling urinary catheter, also called a urethral or suprapubic catheter or Foley catheter, sits inside the bladder. They can be used both short- and long-term. In most cases, a nurse or healthcare provider inserts the catheter through the urethra or the bladder (using a tiny hole in the abdomen). There is a small balloon at the end of the catheter. It inflates with water, which prevents it from sliding out of the body. This balloon deflates when it’s time to remove the catheter.

External Catheter

Also known as a condom catheter or external catheter, this type of catheter is placed outside the body. It is most commonly used by men without urinary retention problems but who have mental function issues such as dementia.

The device looks similar to a condom that’s placed over the head of the penis with a connected tube that leads to a drainage bag. Because they aren’t inserted into the body, these catheters are more comfortable and have a relatively low risk of infection. They are changed daily, with a few exceptions. It’s possible they could cause skin irritation, but this is rare as long as they are appropriately managed and cleaned.

Short-term Catheter

A short-term or intermittent catheter is usually used after surgery. Once the bladder is empty, the catheter is removed. An intermittent catheter is often inserted by a healthcare provider, but someone can be trained at home to insert their catheter through the urethra or a hole in the lower abdomen.

If you aren’t sure what type of catheter you need, or you’re currently using, your doctor can explain it to you. This ensures you get the appropriate supplies based on your needs.

General Safety Guidelines

You’ll want to do several general things if you or a loved one is using a catheter. For example:

  • Hold the drainage bag below the level of the bladder

  • Keep the catheter secured to the thigh so it doesn’t shift

  • Keep the drainage bag off the floor

  • Maintain a sterile environment when changing the catheter

  • Be careful not to sit or lie on the catheter because it impedes urine flow

  • Use the correct prescribed products

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Follow the prescribed schedule

 

Catheter Complications

Catheters are generally safe to use, but there are risks. For example:

  • UTI/Infection that can cause fever, headache, chills, cloudy urine, and more

  • Allergic reaction to materials used in the catheter

  • Blood in the urine

  • Urethra injury

  • Bladder stones

  • Kidney damage (especially with long-term indwelling catheters)

  • Septicemia

You can reduce your risk of experiencing complications by:

  • Getting dehydrated/not drinking enough water

  • Not eating enough high-fiber foods so you don’t get constipated

  • Allowing twists and bends in the catheter

  • Having blocks or leaks in the urine tube or bag

  • Taping the catheter tube to your body to prevent slipping and pulling

  • Not keeping the supplies or your skin clean

  • Not using creams or powders in the affected area

  • Avoiding soaking in a bathtub or pool for a long time

  • Not showering without properly covering or protecting the area

  • Not reinserting the catheter if it falls out unless you know what you’re doing

  • Emptying the urine collection bag several times a day

  • Cleaning the insertion area twice a day with hot, clean water

  • Washing your hands any time you handle the urine collection bag

Do you need catheter equipment or other urinary incontinence products? We provide fast shipping across Canada and the USA with a large inventory of many leading brands and incontinence products. We always put our customers first and understand firsthand how vital these products are in your everyday life. We aim to make finding and ordering these products as easy as possible for catheter users. Find out more about what we do.

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