indwelling catheters

jmcquad · 01-01-2002, 08:12 AM

What is the benefits of indwelling??
The doctor says on a permanent basis they are a source of infection and stones, yet the benefit of avoiding catheterization every 6 hrs is a plus. What is your recomendation?

Wise Young · 01-01-2002, 09:06 AM

There are several types of indwelling catheters. I am sure that you know about them and I am only explaining here for the sake of others who might be reading this post.

A foley catheter (inserted through the urethra) generally has a high incidence of urinary tract infection.

A suprapubic cathether (inserted through the abdomenal wall into the bladder) has a lower incidence of urinary tract infection because it is easier to keep clean.

A Mitranoff Procedure (using the appendix or a segment of the intestine to create a "neo-urethra" to the bladder with a self-closing stoma or opening that allows a person to catheterize without leaving a indwelling catheter) has an even lower incidence of urinary tract infection. However, as described in another posting on this forum, it is not 100% succesful in all patients. Nevertheless, in patients where the procedure works, it has been shown to be very good in lowering the incidence of urinary tract infection and also increasing independence.

Wise.

bruce · 01-01-2002, 04:00 PM

I had a foley for the first six months after my injury (last March). I really didn't want to change because I never had to think about peeing at all, and somebody else had to deal with the leg bags and night bags.

However, four months agon I "bit the bullet" and switched to intermittent cathing. Now I am so glad I did. I don't have to worry about this extra tube sticking out of me .. like when I'd catch it on the wheelcgair during a transfer and pull on my bladder .. ouch!

Now that I'm in the routine, I don't mind having to cath periodically. I haven't has a UTI since I started intermittently cathing; with the foley I'd have one per momth. I can also deal with all the stuff related to peeing, which I couldn't before.

So, in my case, there is no advantage to the indwelling and I'm happier with the ICP. Your mileage may vary.

01-01-2002, 08:12 AM	#1
jmcquad Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico Posts: 19	indwelling catheters What is the benefits of indwelling?? The doctor says on a permanent basis they are a source of infection and stones, yet the benefit of avoiding catheterization every 6 hrs is a plus. What is your recomendation?

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01-01-2002, 09:06 AM	#2
Wise Young Administrator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: New Brunswick, NJ, USA Posts: 37,975	There are several types of indwelling catheters. I am sure that you know about them and I am only explaining here for the sake of others who might be reading this post. A foley catheter (inserted through the urethra) generally has a high incidence of urinary tract infection. A suprapubic cathether (inserted through the abdomenal wall into the bladder) has a lower incidence of urinary tract infection because it is easier to keep clean. A Mitranoff Procedure (using the appendix or a segment of the intestine to create a "neo-urethra" to the bladder with a self-closing stoma or opening that allows a person to catheterize without leaving a indwelling catheter) has an even lower incidence of urinary tract infection. However, as described in another posting on this forum, it is not 100% succesful in all patients. Nevertheless, in patients where the procedure works, it has been shown to be very good in lowering the incidence of urinary tract infection and also increasing independence. Wise.

01-01-2002, 04:00 PM	#3
bruce Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: seattle - usa Posts: 854	I had a foley for the first six months after my injury (last March). I really didn't want to change because I never had to think about peeing at all, and somebody else had to deal with the leg bags and night bags. However, four months agon I "bit the bullet" and switched to intermittent cathing. Now I am so glad I did. I don't have to worry about this extra tube sticking out of me .. like when I'd catch it on the wheelcgair during a transfer and pull on my bladder .. ouch! Now that I'm in the routine, I don't mind having to cath periodically. I haven't has a UTI since I started intermittently cathing; with the foley I'd have one per momth. I can also deal with all the stuff related to peeing, which I couldn't before. So, in my case, there is no advantage to the indwelling and I'm happier with the ICP. Your mileage may vary.