Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.
Your healthcare provider has instructed you to remove your Foley catheter. This is a thin, flexible tube that allows urine to drain out of your bladder and into a bag. It’s important to properly remove your catheter to help prevent infection and other complications. If you have any questions about removing the Foley catheter, ask your healthcare provider before attempting to remove it. Otherwise, follow the instructions on this sheet.
Foley Catheter
The Foley catheter is held in place by a small balloon that’s filled with water. To remove the catheter, you must first drain the water from the balloon. This is done using a syringe and the balloon port. This is the opening in the catheter that isn’t attached to the bag. It allows you to access the balloon.
Instructions for Catheter Removal
Follow the directions closely. Note: If the catheter doesn’t come out with gentle pulling, stop and call your healthcare provider right away.
Call your healthcare provider right away if:
Your healthcare provider says that you require intermittent catheterization (IC). IC involves temporarily placing a tube (catheter) into the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body. The catheter drains urine from the bladder. Once the bladder is empty, the catheter is removed. Learning how to properly care for your catheters helps keep them clean for you to use, which helps prevent infection.
Types of Catheters
Catheters are made of soft, flexible plastic, rubber, or silicone. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are disposable and are used once and thrown away. Others can be used multiple times if cleaned properly. Ask your healthcare provider how often the catheter you use should be replaced. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
Catheter Care
If you use a disposable catheter, use a new one each time you empty your bladder. Throw the catheter away when you’re done. If your catheters are reusable, do the following after each use:
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Fax: (920) 886-2225.