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

Charrière size

Charrière size (Ch), also sometimes referred to as French Gauge (FG or Fr) refers to the diameter of the catheter. 1Ch is equal to 0.3mm.

Task 13

1	Which of the following Charrière sizes should be used for routine drainage for females? Choose one option and then select Check answer. a) 8-10Ch b) 10-12Ch c) 12-14Ch d) 14-16Ch e) 16-18Ch Yes, the answer is 12-14Ch.The correct answer is 12-14Ch.Your answer has been saved.

Task 14

2	What Charrière size should be used for routine drainage for males Choose one option and then select Check answer a) 8-10Ch b) 10-12Ch c) 12-14Ch d) 14-16Ch e) 16-18Ch Yes, the answer is 12-14Ch.The correct answer is 12-14Ch.Your answer has been saved.

"Small is beautiful" is a phrase often applied to the selection of urinary catheters and the smallest possible size to do the job should be chosen. A 12Ch catheter should be able to cope with 200 litres of urine flowing through it during 24 hours.

Larger Charrière size catheters are available and are commonly used in urology settings, particularly following urology surgery, where a smaller diameter catheter may be blocked by blood clots.