Male Catheterisation

Question 1

What are the main indications for male catheterisation?

Answer 1

• Urinary retention
• Measure urine output
• Unconscious/ sedated patient
• Bladder irrigation
• Urinary incontinence
• Pre-surgery

Question 2

What are some contraindications/ limitations of catheterisation?

Answer 2

• Patient refusal
• Under 16s
• Pelvic trauma -blood found in urethra
• Patient has history of difficult catheterisation
• Previous false passage (hypospadia)

Question 3

What is involved in patient preparation?

Answer 3

• Identify correct patient ID
• Explain procedure and gain consent
• Check for allergies/ contraindications
• Check patient has had wash prior to procedure
• Assess genitalia for trauma, infection, swelling
• Position patient supine
• GET CHAPERONE if necessary

Question 4

What are the male and female catheter lengths?

Answer 4

Female= 22-26cm
Standard/Male= 40-44cm

Question 5

How is catheter diameter measured?

Answer 5

Charriere = 0.33mm

Question 6

Why should the smallest diameter of catheter possible be used?

Answer 6

Larger catheters increase risk of urethral trauma and irritation.

Question 7

What is a Foley catheter?

Answer 7

Any catheter with a balloon - fill with 10mls H2O

Question 8

What material is a single use catheter made from, and when is it used?

Answer 8

PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

Used for self catheterisation and post-surgery to drain bladder.

Question 9

What material is a mid-term catheter made from, and why is this beneficial?

Answer 9

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)
Lasts 4 weeks max as the teflon disintegrates after this.
This has a smoother surface so less likely to irritate the urethra.

Question 10

What material is a long-term catheter made from, and why is this beneficial?

Answer 10

100% silicone.
Lasts a maximum of 12 weeks before it needs replacing.
Good for people with latex allergies.
Has thinner walls so larger internal diameter.

Question 11

What to do if balloon fails to deflate when removing catheter?

Answer 11

• Check if patient is constipated
• Milk catheter to remove debris or any blockage
• Use syringe to aspirate

Question 12

What can cause cessation of drainage?

Answer 12

• Kinked tubing
• Urethral spasm
• Bag is higher than the bladder (needs gravity)
• Encrustation due to debris build up
• Dehydration/ renal failure