HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Welcome To 'Ask A Doctor'. Please Type Your Question Here...My

default
Posted on Sat, 26 Dec 2020
Question: Welcome to 'Ask a Doctor'. Please type your question here...My husband has a Foley catheter and is worried that its not draining his bladder. Is there a way to tell if his bladder is functioning or not?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Bircher1222,
Thanks for the query.I understand your concern.
When Foley's catheter is used continuously, at times the catheter tube can get clogged by few particles in urine &the urine flow in urobag can slow down or stop.
Urinary bladder is an elastic storage vessel for urine.It is elastic in nature&can store about800ml of urine in it.
- If urinary bladder is working normally..
it would increase in size ,when the catheter fails to drain urine out...&patient would have sence of bloating,discomfort in lower part of abdomen above pubic bone.Also there would be urge to pass urine.
-In such case a nurse can flush the catheter with normal saline..to clear the catheter &urine would start flowing through it in urobag.This also indicates normality of bladder&urine formation in kidney.
I hope that helps you.Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vasudha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1970

Answered : 10388 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Urologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Welcome To 'Ask A Doctor'. Please Type Your Question Here...My

Brief Answer: Detailed answer below. Detailed Answer: Hi Bircher1222, Thanks for the query.I understand your concern. When Foley's catheter is used continuously, at times the catheter tube can get clogged by few particles in urine &the urine flow in urobag can slow down or stop. Urinary bladder is an elastic storage vessel for urine.It is elastic in nature&can store about800ml of urine in it. - If urinary bladder is working normally.. it would increase in size ,when the catheter fails to drain urine out...&patient would have sence of bloating,discomfort in lower part of abdomen above pubic bone.Also there would be urge to pass urine. -In such case a nurse can flush the catheter with normal saline..to clear the catheter &urine would start flowing through it in urobag.This also indicates normality of bladder&urine formation in kidney. I hope that helps you.Any follow up query is welcome. Thanks.