How to Set up a 3 way Foley Catheter Efficiently

The 3 way Foley Catheter is a common medical equipment used by patients who have undergone a bladder surgery. It is used to ensure urinary drainage after bladder or upper urinary tract surgeries, and thus adds continuous irrigation capabilities. Primary functions include help remove the tissue chips, blood clots, and other debris from the bladder after surgery. A Foley catheter is basically a thin, sterile tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. It is also known by its pseudonym 'indwelling catheter' as it can be left in place inside the bladder for a period of time.

There are different stages to setting up a 3 way Foley Catheter. Read on:

Replacing the catheter:

Before removing the  old catheter, measuring the depth of catheter insertion can be helpful. Draw a tiny line with a marker about one inch away from your genitals. Now, while inserting the new catheter you already know how deep it was inserted, so you can do it accordingly. If there are still issues cropping up, identify the other factors that could be acting up and causing the obstruction.

Getting it ready:

While opening the catheter bag, always make sure that it never gets contaminated; contamination can cause infections and other diseases. Handle the catheter from the opposite end of the tip to reduce chances of infection. Check balloon before inserting; inflate it with a syringe and make sure that it works.

Avoiding contamination:

While setting up your catheter, wear a pair of sterile gloves at all times. Your bare hands can contaminate 3 way foley catheter and thus result in infections. Also, use disinfectants to clear parts of genitalia as an extra layer of precaution.

Importance of applying gel:

Using gel during insertion is important. The gel’s primary objective is to provide lubrication. The insertion process can be painful and rough. The gel also acts as an antiseptic and helps in preventing infections. The third function of the gel is also an anesthetic, which further helps in reducing pain and trauma.

Stay on alert for any spillages:

One of the most common mistakes made during the set up is forgetting to attach the connecting bag with the catheter. If not connected while the insertion is being done, the urine may spill over, creating a mess. If you aren’t comfortable setting up the catheter with the bag, alternatively keep a collecting bowl at the ready during the process. Once the process is completed, you can connect the bag to the catheter.

Attaching it carefully:

Once the insertion is safely done, the only thing that is needed to be taken care of is ensuring that the catheter remains attached. If the catheter slips out in-between, it will be a complete disaster. Use a stabilizer or surgery tape to ensure the fixation.

   

The 3 way foley catheter process is a complicated one. Taking the required precautions is important. Make sure that you follow the above-mentioned steps to carry on the procedure safe and sound.