How large of an SP Catheter?

[mike b]

Today I had my monthly SP change and went up to an 18fr from a 16. My urologist says a 20fr is as large as I should go, just curious as to other opinions on this. I had this done to not take as long to urinate and the 18 does empty faster, and the discomfort of the new cath didn't last long, just a little bit of blood.

[Bluff]

I started out with a 24fr. After lots of UTI's I went to a 26fr. Alot less problems.
But I grow clumps daily so the bigger size cath really helps.
good luck,

[mike b]

A 24fr or a 26 sounds quite large. I would think there isn't any clogging issues, and changes probably are easier too. Thanks.

[Mac85]

i got 22fr, perfect

[GL]

I have a 18 to 20 Fr I used to have a 24 yrs ago

Usually I stay with the 20

Clogging I use renacidin and irrigate my S/P cath everyday

[Millard]

I had a 22 fr. Now I intermittent cath with a 16 fr.

[gjnl]

Originally Posted by mike b

Today I had my monthly SP change and went up to an 18fr from a 16. My urologist says a 20fr is as large as I should go, just curious as to other opinions on this. I had this done to not take as long to urinate and the 18 does empty faster, and the discomfort of the new cath didn't last long, just a little bit of blood.

How long have you had a supra public catheter (SPC) before increasing the size? Was this your decision or your doctors recommendation? Was the only reason that you wanted to empty faster or were you having issues with sediment and clogging of the tube? I don't understand your comment that it doesn't take as long to urinate and the 18FR empties faster. Since an SPC is constantly draining, how can you tell?
I have had a 16FR since having the SPC placed about 15 months ago. I have not had any problems with the 16FR and don't look forward to getting tubing that is larger and stiffer.

All the best,
GJ

[NWC4]

I started w/22 back in '87, then 24 in mid '90's and have used 26 for the last 10-12 years. I live alone so the less clogging the better.

I would be curious as to the reasoning your doc has for not going to a larger gauge.

[gjnl]

Originally Posted by NWC4

I started w/22 back in '87, then 24 in mid '90's and have used 26 for the last 10-12 years. I live alone so the less clogging the better.

I would be curious as to the reasoning your doc has for not going to a larger gauge.

In my case (I not sure if you are directing your question to me), as a matter of practice, my urologist initially tries to go with the smaller FR size because the tubing is more flexible (lays closer to the body) and is less irritating to the bladder. If I developed problems with sediment or clogging, he would increase the size from a 16FR to 18FR and then incrementally larger if necessary. He had intended to go to an 18FR when he changed the supra pubic catheter (SPC) the first time, but since I have several dozen 16FR foley catheters from my indwelling catheter days that I wanted to be able to use up, he agreed to see how the 16FR worked for me before arbitrarily changing the size upon the first replacement. I have used Vetericyn from the beginning (have been infection and colonization free) and haven't had any sediment or other problems with the tube draining properly. I'm happy with the results I have had with the SPC and at my one year check up, he was satisfied that everything was working well and there was no need to tinker with success.

All the best,
GJ

[mike b]

Originally Posted by gjnl

How long have you had a supra public catheter (SPC) before increasing the size? Was this your decision or your doctors recommendation? Was the only reason that you wanted to empty faster or were you having issues with sediment and clogging of the tube? I don't understand your comment that it doesn't take as long to urinate and the 18FR empties faster. Since an SPC is constantly draining, how can you tell?
I have had a 16FR since having the SPC placed about 15 months ago. I have not had any problems with the 16FR and don't look forward to getting tubing that is larger and stiffer.

All the best,
GJ

I wasn't having any real clogging issues but because I don't use a bag during the day, urinating took about 3 or 4 minutes so I requested a larger cath. The 18fr was tight going in and felt slightly uncomfortable for 15 min or so , but it feels fine and empties at a faster rate so I'm very happy. I don't know why my uro doc doesn't want me to go more than a 20 but I don't think going over that would be beneficial to me. The 18 is only a little bit thicker than the 16 so it's not a drastic change, it's still soft and fits well for me. I had an SP for 2 years now.