It is the periodic insertion of a hollow tube (catheter) through the urethra into the urinary bladder, because the catheter is hollow, urine will flow through it and the bladder will empty.
Why is it done?
It prevents the bladder from over distension & exerting back pressure on the kidneys and thereby protects your kidney.
It prevents the bladder from becoming overfilled and losing its muscle tone.
When the bladder is overfilled, self catheterization keeps the bladder from leaking.
It eliminates the residual urine that remains when the bladder does not empty completely.� Residual urine allows bacteria to grow, multiply some times leading to bacterial infections.
Self catheterisation reduces the number of wetting incidents, freeing you for a more active, confident and healthy life style.
What equipments are required?
Catheter (prescribed by doctor)
Lubricant
Soap
Water
Dry hand towel
Storage bag / plastic container
How to do?
Step 1:� Wash your hands with soap and water.� During the procedure, touch only the catheter equipment to avoid coming in contact with germs that could possibly lead to a urinary tract infection.
Step 2:� Hold the penis up with one hand and wash the tip of the penis to the base of the glans with soap and water.
Step 3:� Position yourself in front of the toilet.� Many men prefer to stand during the procedure.
Step 4:� Lubricate the catheter end that will go into the urethra.� Lubricate� the� tip� and�� the�� first 6 inches of the catheter.
Step 5:� Hold your penis at a right angle to your body, grasp the catheter as you would a pen and slowly insert it into the urethra.
If you meet resistance, breathe deeply and try to relax.� If your first attempt is unsuccessful and you become nervous, stop, take a deep breath and then re-start.
Once urine has started to flow, continue to advance the catheter an additional inch to ensure it remains in the bladder until emptying is complete.
Step 6:� When the urine stops, slowly begin to withdraw the catheter with a slow, steady pulling motion.� If urine again starts to flow, stop each time more urine drains out. Pinch the catheter just before removing completely to avoid soiling yourself with urine.
Step 7:��CARE OF CATHETER�
Rinse catheter in clean running water.� Dry the catheter. �Place the catheter in a clean plastic storage container until the next use.� Do not use an airtight container.
Catheter needs to be changed every 4 weeks or earlier if it becomes brittle.
Report any and the following to your doctor:
Difficulty in inserting the catheter.
Significant changes in the amount, odour and color of urine.
Unusual pain and discomfort during the catheterisation procedure.
Unusual bleeding and discharge.
Fever and chills.
Leaking urine in between catheterization.
Educational material published as part of community service by:
DEPARTMENTSOFUROLOGY� NUHOSPITAL�
C. A. 6, 15th MAIN, 11th CROSS, PADMANABHANAGAR
BANGALORE � 560 070
(:+91-80-42489999 �������������������������������������Fax: +91-80-26392693
E-mail:�info@nuhospitals.com
