LECTURE 6 (Bladder irrigation)

Question 1

What is Bladder irrigation and what is its purpose?

Answer 1

Bladder irrigation is flushing out the urinary bladder with a liquid

PURPOSE:
- prevent formation + retention of blood clots
- delivery of pharmacological agents to prevent + treat infections
- prevent hematuria after chemotherapy/surgical procedures
- clean the bladder from bacteria, excess mucus, pus and blood clots

Question 2

Describe the care of the patient during bladder irrigation

Answer 2

• Adjust rate of infusion according to the degree of hematuria
• Average fluid input is 6-9L during the first 12 hours, falling to 3-6L during the next 12 hours
• Aim is to obtain a drainage fluid rose in colour

Question 3

What are the complications of Bladder irrigation?

Answer 3

• Infection
  [urinary tract offer favourable environment for bacteria + injury to mucosa of bladder leads to growth of bacteria]
• Tissue trauma
• Urethral irritations
  [burning sensation + pain at urethral meatus]
• Bladder spasm
  [balloon of indwelling catheter resting on bladder neck + forcing more fluid than what is tolerable to patient]