Urinary Catheters

Alternate Names : Bladder Catheterization

What happens later at home?

Care should be taken to avoid pulling the catheter out accidentally. It is important to be aware of the tubes and straps. Careful cleansing of the site where the tube exits the body, either at the urethra or at the skin of the abdomen, helps to prevent infection and irritation.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Catheterization for less than 3 to 4 days rarely causes problems. If a catheter is left in longer than a week, bacteria are likely to grow in the bladder. In these cases, antibiotics may be given when the catheter is removed to help clear the infection.

Catheterization for years may result in skin erosions where the catheter exits. Chronic inflammatory changes in the bladder, which rarely can induce a form of cancer, and chronic urinary tract infections are also possible.