Foley catheter in female. Female Foley Catheter Insertion: A Comprehensive Guide for Safe and Effective Use

23.08.202123.07.2023 by alexxlab

What is a Foley catheter. How to insert a Foley catheter in females. What supplies are needed for catheter insertion. How to maintain proper hygiene with an indwelling catheter. What are the common issues with Foley catheters. How often should a Foley catheter be changed. What precautions should be taken during catheter insertion.

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Understanding the Foley Catheter: Purpose and Function

A Foley catheter, also known as an indwelling catheter, is a crucial medical device used for continuous bladder drainage. It serves both male and female patients, but our focus here is on its application in females. This flexible tube is inserted through the urethra into the bladder, allowing urine to flow out and be collected in a drainage bag.

Key points about Foley catheters:

Designed for continuous bladder drainage
Can be used in both males and females
Remains in place for extended periods
Requires proper care and maintenance

What makes a Foley catheter unique? Unlike intermittent catheters, a Foley catheter stays in place due to a small balloon inflated inside the bladder. This design ensures continuous drainage and reduces the need for frequent insertions.

Essential Supplies for Female Foley Catheter Insertion

Proper preparation is crucial for a safe and hygienic catheter insertion. Gathering all necessary supplies beforehand ensures a smooth process and reduces the risk of contamination.

The essential supplies include:

Indwelling Foley Catheter Tray (typically 16fr size for adults, with a 10cc balloon)
Syringe for balloon inflation/deflation
Soapy washcloth and wet washcloth
Betadine solution
Cotton balls
Sterile gloves (if not self-catheterizing)
Lubricating jelly
Drainage bag
Paper pad

Why is a 16fr size catheter commonly used for adults? This size offers a good balance between comfort and effective drainage for most adult patients. However, your healthcare provider may recommend a different size based on individual needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Female Foley Catheter Insertion

Inserting a Foley catheter requires attention to detail and strict adherence to hygiene protocols. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a safe and comfortable insertion:

1. Preparation

Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Arrange all supplies within easy reach. If you’re not self-catheterizing, put on sterile gloves.

2. Patient Positioning

Lie flat on your back with legs extended. This position provides the best access to the urethral opening.

3. Cleansing

Using the soapy washcloth, clean the urinary opening thoroughly. Rinse with the wet washcloth and dry the area well. This step is crucial for preventing urinary tract infections.

4. Setting Up the Catheter

Open the catheter tray carefully, maintaining sterility. Pour betadine onto the cotton balls. Remove the plastic cover from the catheter, being careful not to touch the tube. Apply lubricating jelly to the catheter tip.

5. Insertion Technique

Designate one hand as “clean” (for handling sterile supplies) and one as “dirty” (for touching the body). Using the “dirty” hand, spread the labia to expose the urethral opening. With the “clean” hand, use betadine-soaked cotton balls to clean the area, wiping from top to bottom. Never reuse a cotton ball.

Gently insert the lubricated catheter into the urethral opening. Continue insertion slowly until urine begins to flow, then advance another 2 inches.

6. Balloon Inflation

Once urine flow is confirmed, inflate the balloon using the pre-filled syringe. Never inflate the balloon before seeing urine flow, as this could indicate incorrect placement.

7. Final Steps

Wash off any remaining betadine. Attach the drainage bag, ensuring it’s positioned below bladder level for optimal drainage. Consider using a leg strap to secure the catheter to the inner thigh for comfort and stability.

What’s the importance of the “clean” and “dirty” hand technique? This method minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary system, significantly reducing the chance of infection.

Proper Care and Maintenance of an Indwelling Catheter

Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial for preventing complications associated with long-term catheter use. Follow these guidelines for optimal catheter care:

Clean around the catheter and urethra daily using unscented antibacterial soap and water
Dry the area carefully after cleaning
Wash the area after each bowel movement
Keep the drainage bag below knee level when using a leg bag
Empty the drainage bag regularly
Monitor for signs of infection or irritation

How often should you clean the catheter area? At minimum, clean the area twice daily. However, increase frequency if you notice any signs of irritation or after any activities that may introduce bacteria to the area.

Common Concerns and Troubleshooting

While Foley catheters are generally safe and effective, users may encounter some issues. Here are some common concerns and how to address them:

Catheter Changing Frequency

Typically, catheters can remain in place for about a month, provided there are no complications. However, always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions.

Accidental Contamination

If you accidentally touch the catheter with your “dirty” hand or drop it before insertion, stop the procedure and use a new catheter. Maintaining sterility is crucial for preventing infections.

Leakage or Blockage

If you notice urine leaking around the catheter or a decrease in urine output, contact your healthcare provider. These could be signs of blockage or improper positioning.

Discomfort or Pain

Some initial discomfort is normal, but persistent pain or burning sensations should be reported to your healthcare provider.

What should you do if you suspect a urinary tract infection? Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience fever, chills, cloudy or bloody urine, or increased pain or discomfort.

Precautions and Best Practices for Foley Catheter Users

To ensure the safe and effective use of your Foley catheter, keep these precautions and best practices in mind:

Always wash your hands before and after handling the catheter or drainage system
Keep the drainage bag below the level of your bladder to prevent backflow
Avoid kinking or twisting the catheter tubing
Stay well-hydrated to promote good urine flow
Avoid pulling or tugging on the catheter
Monitor your urine output and report any significant changes to your healthcare provider
Maintain a balanced diet to prevent constipation, which can affect catheter function

Why is it important to keep the drainage bag below bladder level? This positioning uses gravity to ensure proper urine flow and prevents backflow of urine into the bladder, reducing the risk of infection.

Long-Term Management and Quality of Life with a Foley Catheter

Living with a long-term indwelling catheter requires some lifestyle adjustments, but it shouldn’t significantly impair your quality of life. Consider these tips for managing daily activities:

Clothing Choices

Opt for loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t put pressure on the catheter. Consider special adaptive clothing designed for catheter users.

Physical Activity

Most forms of exercise are still possible with a catheter. Consult your healthcare provider about any activity restrictions and how to secure the catheter during movement.

Travel Considerations

Plan ahead for catheter care when traveling. Bring extra supplies and familiarize yourself with local medical facilities at your destination.

Intimacy and Relationships

A Foley catheter doesn’t have to interfere with intimate relationships. Discuss any concerns with your partner and healthcare provider for advice on managing intimacy safely.

Mental Health

Adjusting to life with a catheter can be challenging. Don’t hesitate to seek support from healthcare providers, support groups, or mental health professionals if needed.

How can you maintain an active lifestyle with a Foley catheter? With proper planning and precautions, most activities are still possible. Focus on what you can do rather than limitations, and always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Advances in Catheter Technology and Future Developments

The field of urinary catheterization is continuously evolving, with researchers and manufacturers working to improve comfort, reduce complications, and enhance user experience. Some recent and upcoming developments include:

Antimicrobial Catheters

These catheters are coated with materials that inhibit bacterial growth, potentially reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.

Smart Catheters

Emerging technologies incorporate sensors into catheters to monitor urine output, detect blockages, or even analyze urine composition in real-time.

Improved Materials

Researchers are exploring new materials that are more biocompatible, reducing irritation and the body’s immune response to the catheter.

Alternative Drainage Systems

New designs aim to improve mobility and discretion, such as lower-profile collection systems or internal reservoirs.

Tissue-Engineered Solutions

Long-term research is exploring the possibility of using tissue engineering to create more natural, biocompatible catheter alternatives.

What impact could these advancements have on catheter users? These innovations have the potential to significantly reduce complications, improve comfort, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals requiring long-term catheterization.

As we continue to explore the world of Foley catheters, it’s clear that proper knowledge, care, and attention to detail are crucial for safe and effective use. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, understanding the intricacies of catheter insertion and management is key to ensuring optimal outcomes and maintaining quality of life. Remember, while this guide provides comprehensive information, it’s always important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and care.

Female Foley Catheter – My Shepherd Connection

An indwelling catheter is also called a foley catheter or “Foley.” It can be used in males or females. A Foley is usually left in the bladder and drains the bladder continuously. This lesson will review how to insert a foley catheter. Some of the photos in this lesson show the use of gloves. It is not necessary to use gloves when doing this on yourself; however, if you have a helper in the home/community setting, they may choose to wear them.

Foley Catheter: Step by Step Process

1. Gather the Supplies

Indwelling Foley Catheter Tray with a 10 cc balloon. (Size 16fr is a common size used for adults). The tray comes with all the needed supplies.

Syringe to deflate the balloon of the existing catheter (if there is one already in the bladder).

Soapy wash cloth and wet wash cloth.

2. Wash hands with soap and water.

3. Prepare all needed supplies.

4. Lie flat on back with legs flat.

5. If there is already a catheter in place, remove it by deflating the balloon(the balloon is what holds the catheter in place inside the bladder).

Attach the syringe to the end of the “Y” pigtail (side port)

Withdraw the plunger of the syringe. This will deflate the balloon on the catheter inside the bladder. (The balloon is what holds the catheter in place inside the bladder).

You will know it is completely deflated when you are unable to pull anymore water into the syringe.

6. Gently pull the catheter out from the bladder.

7. Wash urinary opening

Wash with the soapy cloth and rinse with the wet cloth. Dry well.

8. Wash hands again.

9. Open the indwelling catheter tray carefully. Set up the supplies.

Place paper pad under hips.

Put on the gloves if this is not a self catheterization.

Pour the betadine onto the cotton balls

Remove the plastic cover from the catheter (be careful not to touch the catheter tube) & squirt the lubricating jelly onto the catheter.

Remove the rubber cap from the syringe with the water in it.

Connect the end of the catheter to the drainage bag

10. Choose your “clean” and “dirty” hand.

Whatever hand comes in contact with the body, the one that holds the labia, is dirty. The one that touches the catheter supplies is clean. Never mix clean and dirty hands in regard to the catheter supplies. It is important that this procedure stay “super clean” so as not to allow germs to enter the bladder.

11. Using one hand, spread the labia open so you can find the urinary opening.

This hand is now your “dirty” hand. Do not use it to touch supplies in the kit.

12. Clean urinary opening

Use clean hand to touch items in the kit

Clean urinary area with the cotton balls soaked in betadine.

Use one cotton ball per wipe.

Always wipe from the top of the area towards the bottom.

Never re-use a cotton ball.

13. Insert the catheter slowly and gently into the urinary opening

14. See the urine flow into the catheter

Continue to insert the catheter slowly for another 2 inches

15. Blow up the balloon

While holding the catheter in place, attach the pre-filled syringe in the kit to the “Y” pigtail port and insert all of the water from the syringe.

If it is easier, you can attach the syringe before you insert the catheter so it is ready when you need it. Do not blow up the balloon until the catheter is in and you see urine flowing.

Never blow up the balloon until you see flowing urine inside the catheter.

Below is a picture of a catheter with an inflated balloon…this is what it would look like inside the bladder

16. Wash off the extra Betadine from the urinary area.

17. Always hang/attach the drainage bag to chair/bed frame below the level of the bladder.

This will allow for the best drainage.

18. Consider wearing a leg strap.

The leg strap attaches the catheter to the inner thigh. It helps to keep the catheter secure.

19. If wearing a leg bag, always wear it below the knee.

20. Clean around the catheter and urethra daily

Use unscented antibacterial soap and water.

Dry the area carefully.

Wash area after each bowel movement.

Real Questions from Real People

1. How often does the catheter need to be changed?

Catheters can stay in for about a month as long as it is not leaking or having crusty areas around it near the urethral opening. You should wash the urinary opening at least twice a day while the catheter is in place. Change the catheter by the schedule given to you by your doctor.

2. Should I save anything from the catheter kit in case problems arise with the catheter?

Yes. Save the syringe so you can deflate the balloon when the catheter needs to be removed.

3. What if touch the catheter with my dirty hand or I drop the catheter on the floor before I have it safely inserted?

Stop and get another catheter or kit. It is important that germs do not enter the bladder during this procedure.

4. What if I have spasms while the catheter is being inserted?

Stop and wait for the spasm to pass; then continue with the insertion.

5. What if the catheter will not go in easily or I feel like I meet resistance when inserting it?

Do not force the catheter in. Call the doctor for further advice.

6. What if I accidentally insert the catheter into the vagina instead of the urethra?

Start over and use a new kit. Don’t feel bad. Sometimes this happens.

How To Do Urethral Catheterization in a Female – Genitourinary Disorders

Paul H. Chung

, MD, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University

Reviewed/Revised May 2023

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Topic Resources

Urethral catheterization is the standard method of accessing the urinary bladder. A flexible catheter is passed retrograde through the urethra into the bladder. Several types of catheters are available. If the urethra is impassable, suprapubic catheterization of the bladder will be necessary.

(See also Bladder Catheterization Bladder Catheterization Bladder catheterization is used to do the following: Obtain urine for examination Measure residual urine volume Relieve urinary retention or incontinence Deliver radiopaque contrast agents or… read more .)

Relief of acute or chronic urinary retention, such as due to urethral obstruction (obstructive uropathy Obstructive Uropathy Obstructive uropathy is structural or functional hindrance of normal urine flow, sometimes leading to renal dysfunction (obstructive nephropathy). Symptoms, less likely in chronic obstruction… read more ) or neurogenic bladder Neurogenic Bladder Neurogenic bladder is bladder dysfunction (flaccid or spastic) caused by neurologic damage. Symptoms can include overflow incontinence, frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, and retention…. read more
Treatment of urinary incontinence Urinary Incontinence in Adults Urinary incontinence is involuntary loss of urine; some experts consider it present only when a patient thinks it is a problem. The disorder is greatly underrecognized and underreported. Many… read more
Monitoring of urine output
Measurement of postvoid residual urine volume
Collection of sterile urine for culture
Diagnostic studies of the lower genitourinary tract Genitourinary Imaging Tests Imaging tests are often used to evaluate patients with renal and urologic disorders. Abdominal x-rays without radiopaque contrast agents may be done to check for positioning of ureteral stents… read more
Bladder irrigation or instillation of medication

Absolute contraindications

Relative contraindications

History of urethral strictures Urethral Stricture Urethral stricture is scarring that obstructs the anterior urethral lumen. Urethral stricture can be Congenital Acquired Anything that damages the urethral epithelium or corpus spongiosum can… read more
Current urinary tract infection Introduction to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be divided into upper tract infections, which involve the kidneys ( pyelonephritis), and lower tract infections, which involve the bladder ( cystitis), urethra… read more (UTI)
Prior urethral reconstruction
Suspected urethral injury Urethral Trauma Urethral injuries usually occur in men. Most major urethral injuries are due to blunt trauma. Penetrating urethral trauma is less common, occurring mainly as a result of gunshot wounds, or alternatively… read more *
Recent urologic surgery
History of difficult catheter placement

*Urethral injury may be suspected following blunt trauma if patients have blood at the urethral meatus (most important sign), inability to void, or perineal or labial ecchymosis, and/or edema. In such cases, urethral disruption should be ruled out with imaging (eg, by retrograde urethrography and sometimes also cystoscopy Cystoscopy Cystoscopy is insertion of a rigid or flexible fiberoptic instrument into the bladder. Indications include the following: Helping diagnose urologic disorders (eg, bladder tumors, calculi in… read more ) before doing urethral catheterization.

Complications include

Urethral Urethral Trauma Urethral injuries usually occur in men. Most major urethral injuries are due to blunt trauma. Penetrating urethral trauma is less common, occurring mainly as a result of gunshot wounds, or alternatively… read more or bladder trauma Bladder Trauma External bladder injuries are caused by either blunt or penetrating trauma to the lower abdomen, pelvis, or perineum. Blunt trauma is the more common mechanism, usually by a sudden deceleration… read more with bleeding or microscopic hematuria (common)
UTI Introduction to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be divided into upper tract infections, which involve the kidneys ( pyelonephritis), and lower tract infections, which involve the bladder ( cystitis), urethra. .. read more (common)
Creation of false passages
Scarring and strictures

Prepackaged kits are typically used but the individual items needed include

Sterile drapes and gloves
Povidone iodine
Applicator swabs, sterile gauze, or cotton balls
Water-soluble lubricant
Urethral catheter (size 16 French Foley catheter is appropriate for most adult women)*
10-mL syringe with water (for catheter balloon inflation)
Sterile collection device with tubing

* A closed catheter system minimizes catheter-associated UTI Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a urinary tract infection (UTI) in which the positive culture was taken when an indwelling urinary catheter had been in place for &gt… read more .

Sterile technique is necessary to prevent a UTI Introduction to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be divided into upper tract infections, which involve the kidneys ( pyelonephritis), and lower tract infections, which involve the bladder ( cystitis), urethra. .. read more .

The female urethral meatus appears as an anterior-posterior slit located anterior to the vaginal opening and about 2.5 cm posterior to the glans clitoris. If the meatus recedes superiorly into the vagina, as can happen in older women, it can often be palpated in the midline as a soft mound surrounded by a firm ring of periurethral tissue.

To expose the vulva, position the patient supine in either lithotomy or frog position (hips and knees partially flexed, heels on the bed, hips comfortably abducted).

Place all equipment within easy reach on an uncontaminated sterile field on a bedside tray. You may put the box containing the catheter and the drainage system between the patient’s legs, so that it is easily accessible during the procedure.
If not done already, attach the catheter to the collection system and do not break the seal unless a different type or size of catheter is required.
Test the retention balloon for leaks by inflating it with water.
Apply lubricant to the tip of the catheter.
Saturate the applicator swabs, cotton balls or gauze with povidone iodine.
Place the sterile fenestrated drape over the pelvis so that the vulva is exposed.
Gently spread the labia and expose the urethral meatus, using your nondominant hand. This hand is now contaminated and must not be removed from the labia or touch any of the equipment during the rest of the procedure.
Cleanse the area around the meatus with each cotton ball saturated in povidone iodine. Use a circular motion, beginning at the meatus and working your way outward. Discard or set aside the newly contaminated gauze or cotton balls.
Hold the lubricated catheter and gently pass it through the urethra, using your free hand. Urine should flow freely into the collection tubing. If the catheter accidentally passes into the vagina, it should be discarded and a new catheter used.
Inflate the balloon with the recommended volume of water, usually 10 mL. Resistance or pain may indicate that the balloon is in the urethra and not the bladder. If so, deflate the balloon, then insert it all the way before reinflation.
Pull the balloon up snug against the bladder neck, after the balloon has been inflated, by slowly withdrawing the catheter until resistance is felt.

VIDEO

Be sure to maintain strict sterile technique during the procedure to avoid urinary tract infection Introduction to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be divided into upper tract infections, which involve the kidneys ( pyelonephritis), and lower tract infections, which involve the bladder ( cystitis), urethra… read more .

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How to choose a Foley catheter? Foley catheter and prostatic catheter are the main differences.

In today’s article we will tell you how to choose a Foley catheter, what you need to consider when buying, what types and structural features of urethral catheters, and how prostatic catheters differ from Foley catheters.

A Foley catheter or urethral catheter is a special medical device designed to drain urine from the bladder. To do this, it is introduced into the cavity of the bladder through natural ways – the urethra – and fixed with a balloon. Such a catheter is installed for a period of 1 to 90 days. Foley catheter is not uncommon in the Russian market. It can be ordered at a specialized company dealing with medical equipment and consumables, medical equipment stores, pharmacies, and some orthopedic salons. When buying a Foley catheter, do not forget to purchase a urinal – a special product that is attached to the Foley catheter, where urine enters after excretion from the body.

How to choose a Foley catheter?

To buy a Foley catheter, you need to clarify with your doctor the following parameters, knowledge of which will greatly facilitate your ordering a catheter:

Catheter size (diameter). The unit of measurement for the diameter of catheters is Sharière (Ch, Shr) or French (Fr). 1 Ch/Fr = 0.33 mm. The size of the catheter is chosen by the attending physician based on the patient’s condition, the time of installation, and the material of the catheter. As a rule, 6-10 Ch are children’s sizes, 14-16 Ch are more often for women, and 20-24 for men. Each case is unique, so never buy a Foley catheter without a doctor’s prescription. There are also various recommendations of professional urological associations – the Russian Society of Urology, the European Society of Urology – which detail the criteria for choosing a catheter diameter.

Diameter	Readings
6-8Ch	Child sizes
10Ch	Clear urine, no hematuria (presence of blood in the urine), mucus
12-14 Ch	Clear urine, without hematuria, mucus, “sand”
16Ch	Slightly turbid urine, may have mild hematuria with little or no clots, some mucus, tissue debris
18Ch	Severe hematuria, the presence of clots, a large amount of mucus, tissue debris, the presence of “sand” in the urine
20-24Ch	Severe hematuria, a large amount of mucus, blood clots, “sand”. Washing required.

If the catheter is often clogged, you can choose a larger size. It must be remembered that the larger the diameter of the catheter, the higher the risk of injury to the urethra.

Another characteristic of the product associated with the size of the Foley catheter is the color coding. This helps doctors and nurses in the operating room or treatment room quickly find the right catheter based on its color, and not on the labels on the packaging or on the catheter itself. The color coding may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it is usually universal and helps doctors navigate the range of consumables more easily. In the picture above you will see a red connector – this is the part in the Foley catheters that is color-coded. We see the red connector and understand that this catheter is 18 Ch.

Foley catheter length. Foley catheters can be male or female. This is due to anatomical features – the urethral canal in men is longer than in women. The length of the female Foley catheter is about 25 cm, the male one is 40-42 cm. The female Foley catheter is not available in all medical equipment stores and pharmacies, and besides, it cannot be used in men, so women and men are prescribed universal catheters 40 cm long.

Balloon size. To fix the catheter in the bladder cavity, a balloon is used, located at the distal end of the catheter. Upon insertion, the balloon is deflated and does not protrude above the catheter surface. With the successful introduction of the catheter into the bladder, the balloon is “inflated” with saline to the desired volume. Thanks to a special valve in the connector, saline does not flow back. Foley catheters most often have a balloon volume of 30 ml, but there are models with a balloon of 15 or 50 ml. In children’s Foley catheters, the volume of the balloon is 1.5-5 ml. The balloon prevents the urethral catheter from “falling out” of the bladder.

Foley catheter tip straight or curved or Nelaton vs Tiemann. The tip of the Foley catheter (the part above the balloon) can be straight or curved. The straight form (classic version) is the most common model. Such a tip is also called the Nelaton catheter, after the urologist who first used a urethral catheter to divert urine. For complicated cases of insertion, for example, with prostatic hyperplasia, there is a coracoid curved tip – the Tiemann catheter. The tip itself in Tiemann or Nelaton catheters is closed with two side holes.

Foley catheter material. The material of the catheter directly affects the comfort of the patient, the frequency of replacement of the catheter and its operational characteristics. Today, Foley catheters are made from:

Silicone-coated latex (siliconized latex) is a cheap material, quite soft, porous. Unfortunately, many patients are allergic to latex, making long-term use impossible. To reduce the risk of allergies, as well as to improve performance, the latex catheter is coated with a micron layer of silicone. A latex Foley catheter is placed for up to 7 days.
Silicone is a fully biocompatible material that does not cause inflammation or allergic reactions. Silicone catheters are soft, with a thin wall. Silicone Foley catheters have a large internal lumen, which provides better urine diversion. They clog less and can be installed for up to 30 days. Children’s catheters are made of silicone. The special treatment of the silicone and the surface of the catheter allowed them to be installed for up to 90 days – for example, the X-Tra and Folisyl LT series from Coloplast.
“Silver” is an outdated type of catheter. Material: silicone with a layer of silver, so these catheters are often called “silver plated”. It was believed that silver catheters have antibacterial activity, however, studies have shown that the presence of a layer of silver does not significantly affect either the development of infection or the time of installation. Due to low profitability and lack of clear clinical efficacy, silver catheters are practically withdrawn from circulation. Instead, patients are advised to buy long-lasting silicone Foley catheters (with an insertion period of up to 90 days).

Number of strokes: 2 or 3? The most problematic issue. Unfortunately, due to errors in terminology, doctors, patients, and pharmacy staff often confuse three-way Foley catheters with prostatic catheters (TURP catheters, hemostatic catheters). The classic Foley catheter has 2 passages, that is, 2 channels, one of which is used for urine diversion, and the second for balloon inflation. In some cases, a third channel / passage is required – for washing and introducing medicinal substances into the bladder cavity.

However, there are prostatic or three-way catheters. Prostatic catheters are used exclusively in men after prostate surgery – resection of the prostate. Do not confuse them with Foley catheters. Despite the similar structure and function, both of these catheters differ. These differences are:

Balloon volume: for prostatic catheters, the balloon has a volume of 50-120 ml to effectively prevent bleeding after prostate surgery (for Foley catheters it is 15-30 ml).
Tip structure: prostatic catheters are divided into types Dufo, Delinot, Kuveler and others. The curved Dufour and straight Kuveler tips also have a large drainage hole for successful drainage of urine, blood clots, pieces of tissue and mucus. Below is a typical three-way Dufour catheter.

Diameter: prostatic catheters size 18 to 24 Ch/Fr. Foley catheters have a much wider size range – from 6 to 30 Ch.
Number of channels: prostatic catheters are usually always three-way.

Attention! This article is not a call for self-treatment! Be sure to consult with your doctor! Never insert and remove urethral catheters yourself!

Bottom line: any patient may be faced with the need to purchase Foley catheters. When choosing a catheter, it is important to know its dimensions, which are measured in Charrière / French, balloon volume, number of strokes. When buying, check all the data, be sure to check the expiration date of the medical product, the presence of the Registration Certificate and the Declaration and compliance, the availability of instructions. If you find it difficult to choose, then we recommend you the following positions:

Classic 100% silicone Foley catheter: 30 ml balloon volume, sizes 14-24 Ch/Fr, for up to 30 days of placement.
100% Silicone Dufour Prostatic Three-Way Catheter: 50 ml balloon volume, sizes 18-24 Ch/Fr, for up to 30 days of placement.
Dufour Prostatic 3-Way Short Tip 100% Silicone Catheter: 50 ml balloon, sizes 18-24 Ch/Fr, for up to 30 days.

You can buy Foley catheters in Moscow at Uromed M by calling +7 495 783 68 11 or by sending a request to e-mail [email protected] We work with individuals and legal entities. Fast delivery to any region of Russia. No minimum order!

Uromed M is the official distributor of Coloplast products (France) in Russia. Direct deliveries from the Coloplast factory from France.

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Foley catheters Folysil, silicone, type male straight