Indications for catheterisation and catheter selection

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Assessing urinary incontinence
3. Indications for Catheterisation
   1. Contra-indications to catheterisation
4. Catheter Selection
   1. Intermittent versus Indwellling?
   2. Catheter Size
   3. Balloon Size
   4. Catheter Length
   5. Charrière size
5. Catheter Material
6. Summary
7. References

Introduction

This learning activity looks at the assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms to determine if catheterisation is necessary and indicated. It will also explore decision making and selection of different urinary catheters.

In this activity you will:

- Perform an assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms to determine if catheterisation is required

- Identify indications and contra-indications for urinary catheterisation

- Critically discuss the appropriate selection of urinary catheters

Urinary catheterisation is a common procedure within acute settings and it is estimated that around 25% of patients admitted to hospital will be catheterised (Patel and Arya, 2001). It has been suggested that patients are often catheterised without other options being explored, exposing patients to the high risk of infection and potentially an extended hospital stay (Foxley 2011). One study found that 21-46% of initial catheter insertions were unjustified (Pepperell 2002). Many patients are catheterised for the management of incontinence and it is vital that lower urinary tract symptoms are assessed, the type of incontinence correctly identified and catheterisation only considered when clinically indicated.