Catheters can be used in a variety of situations such as short term use after major surgery, a method of monitoring urine for hospitalized patients after a major surgery, or for outpatients getting special care. It’s important that you understand each of the types of Catheter Equipment before your hospital visit or buying any supplies.
There are three main urinary catheter types – indwelling, condom, and intermittent. It’s important that you learn more about the different types of catheters to reduce many of the short-term problems that you may be faced with.
Intermittent catheters are generally used for short term use. They are removed after the flow of urine stops. Indwelling catheters are for long term placement; it is placed into the bladder and left there. The procedure of inserting this can be very uncomfortable since it goes through the urethra to reach the bladder. It is far more painful for men than women. One of the downsides to this is that there is a high risk of getting a urinary tract infection.
An alternative urinary catheter type for men is the condom catheter. It will eliminate the pain that is associated with an indwelling catheter. It will also dramatically reduce the risk of urinary tract infection. The fact is that 80% of men contract a UTI from the indwelling type.
All urinary catheter types require a drainage bag to store the urine. You’ll find two types of bags – a leg bag and down drain bag. The leg bag is used while you are out. It is easily concealed on your leg. While the down drain bag is used primarily at night or for extended periods of time. It will either be hung on your bed or placed on the floor alongside your bed. Drainage bags need to be emptied every 8 hours or sooner if full. If the bag is not emptied there is a chance that the urine will flow back into the bladder which can lead to many problems. You may also need other types of Catheter Equipment.
The drainage bag also needs to be cleaned properly. You can clean it by soaking it in vinegar that is diluted in water for 20 minutes. Talk to a medical professional to ensure you are properly cleaning the drainage bag as well as the catheter. It will need to be removed from the catheter and emptied when it is full; often this is every 8 hours to prevent it from going back into the bladder.
Learning more about the different urinary catheter types will allow you to find the best one to suit your needs. You want Medical Medicaid Supplies that will offer you comfort as well as convenience. Once you find the right brand and type it’s important that you learn how to properly care for and clean the Intermittent Catheters. Improper care will definitely lead to problems that could have been avoided. You should talk with your nurse and learn more about proper care by reading online.
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
