Foley Catheter – Is It Indicated For Incontinence Care?

While they are frequently used for the short term in a hospital setting, there are not commonly used for the long term, especially when it comes to home care or managing incontinence. While it may seem like the perfect solution for someone who is incontinent, there are many risks associated with long term use, so a Foley catheter should only be used when it is deemed medically necessary.

To understand why there are risks, it helps to know how a Foley catheter works. A Foley catheter is a piece of rubber tubing with an inflatable balloon on one end and an adapter that attaches to a bag on the other. This rubber tube is inserted into the urinary tract opening and advanced into the bladder. Once there, the balloon is filled with air so it stays in place. The end of the catheter is attached to a collection bag; it can also be clamped off for short periods when you have to move around. When the catheter is in place, urine drains from the bladder directly into the bag.

Because the Foley catheter is a direct pathway from the outside world to the bladder, infection is one possible complication. Proper care must be taken to keep the area and tubing clean to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. The longer a catheter is kept in place, the greater the risk of complications becomes, so that is why they are used for the short term, or when otherwise medically necessary. Some other possible complications with a Foley catheter include damage caused if the catheter is accidentally pulled out while the balloon is inflated, kidney infections that may lead to kidney damage, blood infections, and the development of kidney stones.

Even though there are risks associated with Foley catheter use, there are still important reasons why your doctor may want you or your loved one to use one. If urine output needs to be accurately monitored, using a catheter allows for precise collection and measurement. Some medical conditions leave the bladder unable to empty on its own and a catheter is necessary to keep urine flowing from the body. In the case of wounds or injury, contamination with urine can be avoided by using a catheter. If your loved one has a serious medical condition that causes great pain or suffering associated with changing diapers or wet bed sheets, your doctor may recommend using a Foley catheter as a comfort measure.

It is possible you have a medical condition that makes it necessary for you to insert a Foley catheter periodically by yourself at home. Not everyone who needs a Foley catheter at home uses it for the long term; it can be used for acute relief as well when prescribed by a doctor. Medical insurance usually provides some sort of coverage for Foley catheters for home use, but they may limit the number the will pay for each month.

When using a Foley catheter, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before working with it. Keep the skin and tubing clean and dry. This is particularly important if fecal incontinence is also an issue in order to prevent urinary tract infections. Empty the collection bag frequently and ensure the tubing is kept free of kinks so urine can flow out freely. This simple and common medical device is not the first choice in the management of incontinence, but it can be a lifesaver for those with certain medical conditions.