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Table of Contents
What It Is
Uses
Care Instructions
Possible Risks
A Foley catheter is a flexible tube that is inserted through the urethra to help drain urine from the bladder. It is a type ofindwelling catheter, meaning one that is kept in place so that urine is continuously drained from the bladder.
This article explains what Foley catheters are and what they are used for. It also describes how they are inserted and cared for, including the possible risks and complications.
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What Is a Foley Catheter?
The Foley catheter is a thin tube inserted into theurethra(the tube through which urine exits the body) in order to drain urine from thebladder(the organ that collects and stores urine from thekidneys).
It is a type of indwelling catheter that is kept in place longer than anintermittent catheter(which is used and removed once the bladder is emptied). After insertion, a Foley catheter is intended to remain in place for several hours or longer.
A Foley catheter consists of two separate channels (calledlumens) running down the entire length of the tube:
There are also triple-lumen catheters that have a third channel used to push sterile fluids into the bladder to flush out blood and blood clots after urinary tract surgery.
Different coatings are also applied to the catheter which can extend its use. Some coatings enable use for up to 28 days, while others may enable use for up to three months.
Straight Catheter vs. Foley CatheterAn intermittent catheter is sometimes referred to as a straight catheter. As opposed to a Foley catheter which remains in place for a prolonged period, a straight catheter is used to drain urine from the bladder, after which it is removed.
Straight Catheter vs. Foley Catheter
An intermittent catheter is sometimes referred to as a straight catheter. As opposed to a Foley catheter which remains in place for a prolonged period, a straight catheter is used to drain urine from the bladder, after which it is removed.
Purposes of a Foley Catheter
Foley catheters are not used for the generaltreatment of incontinence.
A Foley catheter may be used for:
Irrespective of the situation, the process of catheterization more or less follows the same steps:
There are situations in which a person with a lifelong condition (like paralysis) may be taught to catheterize themselves, but this can be difficult and requires the utmost care to avoid infection.
The insertion of a Foley catheter may be uncomfortable but should not cause significant pain. Most people adjust to having a catheter once they relax a bit.
With that said, the catheter may make you feel as if you need to pee even though it keeps the bladder empty.This is because the catheter can irritate the bladder, causing contractions and spasms that usually occur when the bladder is full.
Indications With SurgeryAt most hospitals, the placement of an indwelling catheter is considered standard for surgical procedures that:Are expected to last one hour or longerInvolve the urinary tractRequire the patient to go tointensive careor remain in bed after surgery
Indications With Surgery
At most hospitals, the placement of an indwelling catheter is considered standard for surgical procedures that:Are expected to last one hour or longerInvolve the urinary tractRequire the patient to go tointensive careor remain in bed after surgery
At most hospitals, the placement of an indwelling catheter is considered standard for surgical procedures that:
How to Care for a Foley Catheter
Once the catheter is in place, you can walk and move about, but care should be taken to avoid pulling the tube out of place. Something as simple as tripping or stumbling can do this.
When using a Foley catheter, excellent hygiene is essential topreventing UTIsand other health concerns.
Among some of the key tips:
Never remove a Foley catheter unless a healthcare provider has taught you how and when to do so. Removing the catheter without properly deflating the balloon is not only extremely painful, but it can also cause permanent damage to the urethra.
Urinary Catheter Risks
As a rule, a Foley catheter should only be used as long as necessary and removed once it is no longer needed. It shouldnotbe considered the standard of care if other options for managing incontinence or urinary retention exist.
The largest concern is related to UTIs, the risk of which increases the longer a catheter is used. In severe cases, a catheter-associated UTI can lead tourosepsisin which the infection moves into the bloodstream and causes a potentially deadly immune reaction.
There may also be mechanical problems that can harm you while using a Foley catheter. These include the breakage of the catheter balloon, the obstruction of a catheter, and the accidental yanking of the tube.
People who use a Foley catheter for a long time may also develop urinary retention (the inability to fully empty the bladder) once it is removed.
When to Call a Healthcare ProviderSee a healthcare provider immediately if you develop the following signs or symptoms while using a Foley catheter:Fever, chills, and back painCloudy urine with a strong odorBlood in urineNo urine drainageBurning at the catheter siteA catheter falling out
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
See a healthcare provider immediately if you develop the following signs or symptoms while using a Foley catheter:Fever, chills, and back painCloudy urine with a strong odorBlood in urineNo urine drainageBurning at the catheter siteA catheter falling out
See a healthcare provider immediately if you develop the following signs or symptoms while using a Foley catheter:
Summary
A Foley catheter can be used for days or weeks. However, it should only be used when indicated and never for longer than needed. The longer a Foley catheter is used, the greater the risk of a urinary tract infection.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Summary of recommendations.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Indwelling urinary catheter culture stewardship: overview.
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