Urinary Catheter Risks

A catheter is a small, sterile tube used to drain urine from the bladder. It is inserted into the urethra and advanced into the bladder, where it is left for a long period of time, held in place by a balloon at the end. Urine drains through the tube into a bag. It can be used for monitoring urine output on an injured or critically ill person, during surgery or during extended periods of illness.

Balloon Failure

• Patients often experience problems with the catheter balloon. During insertion, the balloon can break. If this happens, a doctor or nurse will have to remove balloon fragments. Sometimes a balloon fails to inflate once it has been inserted. Doctors or nurses often check the inflation of the balloon before putting it into the urethra. If it still fails to work, they must substitute another catheter.

Urinary Tract Infection

• Insertion of a catheter also brings the risk of bacteria invading the urinary tract. This can occur even when the proper sterile precautions have been taken. When this happens, a patient can get a urinary tract infection. Symptoms include fever and changes in urine color and smell. Infections must be treated with medication by a doctor.

Urine Flow Blockage

• Issues can happen with urine flow. When urine flow becomes blocked, a doctor or nurse may have to reposition the catheter and bag to make sure there is not an obstruction in the catheter tube. If problems persist with the flow, then the bag or catheter or both will have to changed.