Urethral Tube

A urethral tube, more commonly known as a urinary catheter, is a flexible, hollow, medical device inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain and collect urine. They are essential for patients who cannot urinate naturally due to conditions like urinary retention, nerve damage, or following surgery.

Purposes of urethral catheters

Urethral catheters are used for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic purposes:

• Relieving urinary retention: Drains the bladder when an individual is unable to urinate due to an obstruction (e.g., enlarged prostate) or nerve damage.
• Managing incontinence: Provides a solution for individuals with urinary incontinence when other treatments have failed.
• Surgical use: Used to drain the bladder before, during, and after certain types of surgery.
• Monitoring output: Helps accurately monitor urine output in critically ill or post-operative patients.
• Diagnostic imaging: Used to instill contrast fluid for imaging of the urinary tract.
• Delivering medication: Can be used to deliver medication directly into the bladder, such as during chemotherapy for bladder cancer.

Features and materials

• Materials: Catheters are made from various biocompatible materials, including latex, silicone, and other polymers. Some are coated with hydrogel to reduce friction.
• Sizing: The size of a catheter is measured in French (Fr) units, which denote the diameter. Healthcare providers use the smallest size possible to allow for adequate drainage while minimizing trauma to the urethra.
• Specialty tips: Some catheters, like the Coude tip, have a curved end to help navigate past obstructions or enlarged prostates.