Urinary Catheters and Other Devices

Catheters are used to drain urine from the bladder. They can be used in people with bladder outlet obstruction, urinary incontinence and neurological disease. They may be used intermittently or left in place (indwelling). For indwelling catheters, the route of access may be urethral or suprapubic. Specific adaptations include the material from which the catheter is made, the number of channels, the coatings applied, the shape of the end and the mechanism by which the catheter is retained in place. Catheter use carries risk of complications, such as blockage, infection, stone formation, urethral damage and impaired quality of life. Alternatives to urinary catheters include urinals, pads, sheaths and occlusion devices.