Urinary catheter
Urinary Catheter
A Urinary Catheter (pronounced: yoo-rih-nair-ee kath-i-ter) is a flexible tube used in medical practice to drain urine from the bladder of individuals who cannot do so naturally.
Etymology
The term "catheter" originates from the Greek word "katheter" which means "to send down". "Urinary" is derived from the Latin word "urina", which translates to "urine".
Types of Urinary Catheters
There are three main types of urinary catheters:
- Intermittent Catheter: This type of catheter is inserted into the bladder to drain urine and then immediately removed. It is often used after surgery or in patients with chronic bladder problems.
- Indwelling Catheter: Also known as a Foley catheter, this type remains in the bladder for a longer period of time. It is held in place by a small, water-filled balloon.
- Suprapubic Catheter: This catheter is inserted through a small hole in the abdomen, directly into the bladder. It is used when the urethra is blocked or damaged.
Uses
Urinary catheters are used in various medical situations such as:
- Inability to urinate naturally due to injury or illness
- During and after certain types of surgery
- To measure urine output in critically ill patients
- In cases of severe urinary incontinence
Risks and Complications
While urinary catheters are generally safe, they can sometimes lead to complications such as:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): This is the most common complication of catheter use.
- Damage to the urethra: This can occur during insertion or removal of the catheter.
- Bladder Stones: These can form as a result of long-term catheter use.
- Blood in the urine: This can occur if the catheter irritates the bladder.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Urinary catheter
- Wikipedia's article - Urinary catheter
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