Getting Familiar With The Foley Catheter
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A Foley catheter is a sterile, thin tube that is placed into the bladder. It then proceeds to drain the urine. Since it can typically remain in place in the bladder for an extended time period, it is also known as an indwelling catheter. The catheter is locked in place by a balloon that sits on the end. This balloon is filled with water that has been sterilized. This water holds it in place. Once the urine has been emptied into a bag, it can be drained. The urine can be taken to a lab and tests can be run on your urine for blood, infection, crystals, the breakdown of muscles, electrolytes, and kidney function. When a catheter is inserted, it is called catheterization.
The Foley catheter can be used to assist with many procedures and disorders. The urethra might have been obstructed by various medical conditions, such as prostate cancer, prostate degeneration, or a narrow urethra. In any of these cases, it may be difficult for you to urinate and a catheter can help with this problem.