Foley catheters are flexible tubes that are inserted through the urethra and into the bladder to drain urine from the bladder. They are often used after surgery when a patient cannot control their bladder or move independently to use the restroom. They offer patients an easy and sanitary way to empty the bladder without having to get out of bed. Typically made of latex or silicone, They are designed to decompress the bladder and collect urine in a bag attached to the catheter tubing.
The Basics of Functioning
They have an inflatable balloon at the tip that is inflated with sterile water once inserted into the bladder. The balloon anchors the catheter in place and prevents it from slipping out or causing trauma to the urethra during use. One or two drainage ports just past the balloon allow urine to continuously drain out of the bladder, through the catheter tubing and collect in the attached drainage bag. Most catheters are equipped with a 15–30mL balloon to ensure secure yet comfortable positioning in the bladder. Lubricated tips and hydrophilic coatings on some catheters also aid smooth insertion.
Common Uses of Indwelling Catheters
Some common clinical uses of indwelling Foley catheters include:
- Post-operative care: Patients recovering from surgeries involving the abdomen, pelvis or lower limbs are often Foley Catheters to avoid bladder distension while immobile. This prevents pressure and complications.
- Accident/trauma patients: Those with fractures immobilizing the lower body or spinal injuries initially relying on assisted care benefit from catheters.
- Palliative care: For terminally ill or debilitated patients needing long-term bladder management and comfort at end-of-life.
- Incontinence: Some with uncontrolled urinary incontinence rely on catheters instead of pads if independent bathroom use isn’t possible.
- Urological procedures: Cystoscopy, dilation and lithotripsy cases may receive short-term catheters to decompress the bladder during and after the procedure.
Get more insights on Foley Catheters
