This procedure must be performed only by qualified medical personnel. Independent or improper intervention may be dangerous.
1. Foley Catheter Removal
Hand Hygiene
The procedure begins with proper hand hygiene, including washing the hands and putting on sterile gloves.
Deflating the Catheter Balloon
A Foley catheter has a small balloon that keeps it fixed inside the bladder.
Using a special syringe, the fluid inside the balloon is withdrawn, usually 5–10 ml of sterile saline solution.
Gentle Catheter Removal
The patient should be in a relaxed position.
The catheter is then slowly and gently removed without causing pain.
Disinfection
After removal, the urethral area is disinfected according to hygiene and medical standards.
Catheter Flushing
Irrigation / Lavage
Catheter flushing may be required when the catheter becomes blocked by blood clots, mucus, or other accumulated material.
For flushing, sterile 0.9% saline solution is used.
The solution is introduced slowly and under low pressure, usually 10–50 ml.
The outflow is then monitored to ensure that the blockage has been released and the catheter is functioning properly.
Foley Catheter Insertion
Foley catheter insertion may be performed in both male and female patients. The basic principle is the same, although anatomical differences must be considered.
Preparation
A sterile set is required, including:
- Foley catheter
- Sterile lubricant or lidocaine gel
- Syringe
- Antiseptic solution
- Sterile pads or drapes
- Urine collection bag
Catheter Insertion Procedure
The procedure includes:
- Maintaining aseptic technique with sterile gloves and proper disinfection.
- Applying lubricant generously to the catheter.
- Gently inserting the catheter into the urethra.
- Advancing the catheter slowly and carefully, without causing pain.
- Confirming catheter placement when urine appears, indicating that the catheter has entered the bladder.
- Inflating the balloon with 5–10 ml of sterile saline solution.
- Connecting the catheter to the urine collection bag.
Important Notice
Urinary catheterization should not be performed without medical qualification. Incorrect catheter placement or removal may cause pain, bleeding, urethral injury, infection, or other complications.
Your Family Nurse — NMS 24/7 provides catheter-related nursing procedures at home according to the patient’s condition and medical recommendation.